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.
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.