Definify.com
Webster 1913 Edition
Porphyry
Por′phy-ry
,Noun.
pl.
Porphyries
(#)
. (Geol.)
A term used somewhat loosely to designate a rock consisting of a fine-grained base (usually feldspathic) through which crystals, as of feldspar or quartz, are disseminated. There are red, purple, and green varieties, which are highly esteemed as marbles.
Porphyry shell
(Zool.)
, a handsome marine gastropod shell (
Oliva porphyria
), having a dark red or brown polished surface, marked with light spots, like porphyry.Webster 1828 Edition
Porphyry
POR'PHYRY
,Noun.
Porphyry is very hard, and susceptible of a fine polish.
Porphyry is composed of paste in which are disseminated a multitude of little angular and granuliform parts, of a color different from the ground.
Definition 2024
porphyry
porphyry
English
A piece of porphyry from Sweden
purple porphyry
Noun
porphyry (countable and uncountable, plural porphyries)
- (geology) a hard igneous rock consisting of large crystals in a fine-grained matrix
- A purple-red rock of this kind.
- 1980, Colin Thubron, Seafarers: The Venetians, page 43:
- A quartet of porphyry warriors, locked for all time in stern embrace outside St. Mark's Basilica, were probably carved in the Fourth Century. They are believed to represent the Roman Emperor Diocletian and the three men who held power with him.
-
- A purple-red rock of this kind.