gneiss

gneiss

noun \ˈnīs\

Definition of GNEISS

: a foliated metamorphic rock corresponding in composition to a feldspathic plutonic rock (as granite)

— gneiss·ic \ˈnī-sik\ adjective

— gneiss·oid \-ˌsȯid\ adjective

— gneiss·ose \-ˌsōs\ adjective

Origin of GNEISS

German Gneis, alteration of Middle High German gneiste spark, from Old High German gneisto; akin to Old English fȳrgnāst spark

First Known Use: 1757

Rhymes with GNEISS

dice, ice, lyse, nice, pice, price, rice, slice, spice, splice, syce, thrice, trice, twice, vice, vise