sandstone
SAND-stohn
Sandstone (noun) means a sedimentary rock formed from compressed and cemented grains of sand. Example: “The canyon walls were carved from layers of red sandstone.”
noun
1
A sedimentary rock formed from compressed and cemented grains of sand.
"The canyon walls were carved from layers of red sandstone."
"Many old English churches were built with local sandstone."
How to use sandstone
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA type of rock made of hardened sand.
Common pairings
red sandstone
sandstone cliffs
a sandstone building
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Word forms
- Plural
- sandstones
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The canyon walls were carved from layers of red _____.
Etymology
A compound of "sand" and "stone", tracing back through Old English to a Proto-West Germanic word for sand and gravel.
Synonyms
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Rhymes for sandstone
See all rhymes for sandstone →Frequently asked questions
What does “sandstone” mean?
The word “sandstone” means a sedimentary rock formed from compressed and cemented grains of sand. In plain terms, a type of rock made of hardened sand.
How do you pronounce “sandstone”?
“Sandstone” is pronounced SAND-stohn (/ˈsændˌstoʊn/ in IPA).
How do you use “sandstone” in a sentence?
Here is “sandstone” used in a sentence: “The canyon walls were carved from layers of red sandstone.”
What part of speech is “sandstone”?
“Sandstone” is a noun.
Where does the word “sandstone” come from?
The word “sandstone” comes from Old English. A compound of "sand" and "stone", tracing back through Old English to a Proto-West Germanic word for sand and gravel.
Is “sandstone” a common word?
“Sandstone” is an uncommon word in modern English, usually learned at around the B2 level.
What is the difference between sandstone and limestone?
Sandstone is a sedimentary rock formed from compressed and cemented grains of sand, while limestone forms mainly from compressed calcium carbonate, often derived from shells and marine organisms. Both are sedimentary rocks, but they form from different source materials and have different mineral compositions.
Is sandstone a sedimentary or igneous rock?
Sandstone is a sedimentary rock, not an igneous one. It forms when grains of sand are compressed and cemented together over time, rather than cooling from molten rock like igneous rock does.
What is sandstone commonly used for?
Sandstone is widely used as a building and paving material because it can be cut into blocks and slabs relatively easily. Its layered, sand-grain composition also gives it distinctive coloring and texture that architects value for facades and flooring.
