gneiss

What is another word for gneiss? Here is its meaning, with related words and examples.

Noun — Gneiss is a common metamorphic rock marked with bands or streaks of different minerals but lacking the flaky, splitting texture of schist.

We haven't recorded synonyms for gneiss yet. You can still read its full definition, where it comes from, or words that rhyme with it.

How to use gneiss

The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.

banded gneiss gneiss rock gneiss formation layers of gneiss

Gneiss is a specialist geology term rather than everyday vocabulary.

Etymology

Gneiss came into English from German Gneis. That German word traces back through Middle High German gneist to Old High German gneisto, both meaning spark.

Full origin of gneiss →

Frequently asked questions

What is gneiss rock made of?

Gneiss is a metamorphic rock, meaning it formed when existing rock was changed by heat and pressure. It is recognised by the bands or streaks of minerals running through it.

What is the difference between gneiss and schist?

Both are banded metamorphic rocks, but gneiss does not split easily into flakes or sheets the way schist does.

How do you pronounce gneiss?

It is pronounced the same as the word nice, with a silent g.

Nearby words

← Back to the full definition of gneiss