Gneiss

Pronunciation

• enPR: nÄ«s, IPA: /ˈnaɪs/
• Rhymes: -aɪs
• Homophones: nice

Origin

From German Gneis, from Middle High German gneist ("spark"), from Old High German gneisto ("spark"). More at gnast.

Full definition of gneiss

Noun

1. (geology) A common and widely-distributed metamorphic rock having bands or veins, but not schistose.
• 2004, Richard Fortey, The Earth, Folio Society 2011, p. 98:The old towns along the route are as solidly built from the gneiss of the region as you might expect.

Anagrams

• singes