Chert - Meaning, Definition & English Examples
Chert is a hard, fine-grained sedimentary rock composed of silica, often found in limestone or chalk. It is commonly used for making stone tools due to its sharp edges when fractured.
Definition:
A hard, dark, sedimentary rock composed of microcrystalline quartz, often used for tools.
Synonyms:
flint, jasper, agate
Part of Speech:
noun
Antonyms:
limestone, sandstone
Common Collocations:
chert nodules, chert tools, chert deposits
Derivatives:
cherty, chertified
Usage Tips:
Use "chert" to describe a specific type of rock, often found in archaeological contexts or geology discussions.
Common Phrases:
chert arrowheads, chert outcrop, chert formation
Etymology:
Derived from Old English "ceorran," meaning to turn or twist, referring to its fractured appearance.
Examples:
- 1. The geologist examined the chert under a microscope.
- 2. Ancient humans crafted sharp tools from chert.
- 3. The quarry contained layers of limestone and chert.
- 4. Chert is often found in sedimentary rock formations.