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Shale - Meaning, Definition & English Examples

Shale is a fine-grained sedimentary rock formed from compacted mud or clay. It often splits into thin layers and is a common source of oil and natural gas.

shale

/ˈʃeɪl/ /ʃeɪl/

Definition:

A fine-grained sedimentary rock formed from compacted clay, mud, or silt.

Synonyms:

mudstone, claystone, slate

Part of Speech:

noun

Antonyms:

granite, basalt

Common Collocations:

shale gas, shale oil, shale formation

Derivatives:

shaly, shalelike

Usage Tips:

Use "shale" to describe rock layers in geology or energy contexts like "shale gas."

Common Phrases:

shale deposits, shale bedrock, shale extraction

Etymology:

Originates from Old English "scealu," meaning shell or husk, referring to its layered structure.

Examples:

  • 1. The geologist examined the dark gray shale closely.
  • 2. Shale is often rich in fossils and organic material.
  • 3. Fracking is used to extract natural gas from shale formations.
  • 4. The cliffs were composed of alternating layers of sandstone and shale.

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