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Definition of gneiss noun from the Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary

gneiss

noun

/naɪs/

/naɪs/

[uncountable] (geology)

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a type of metamorphic rock formed at high pressure and temperature deep in the ground
Word Originmid 18th cent.: from German, from Old High German gneisto ‘spark’ (because of the rock's sheen).

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See gneiss in the Oxford Advanced American Dictionary

Check pronunciation: gneiss

Nearby words

adjective

From the Topic

C2

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