noun

schist

SHIST

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Schist (noun) means a coarse-grained metamorphic rock made of layers that split easily into thin slabs. Example: “The hikers climbed a ridge of dark schist that glittered in the sun.”

noun

A coarse-grained metamorphic rock made of layers that split easily into thin slabs.

"The hikers climbed a ridge of dark schist that glittered in the sun."

"Schist breaks into flat sheets, so builders sometimes use it for walls and paths."

"Geologists found a band of schist beneath the limestone."

How to use schist

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishSchist is a rock that is made of thin layers and splits apart easily.

When to use it

It is a technical term used mostly in geology and building.

Memory tip

The sch is pronounced sh, so the word rhymes with list, not with the sk of school.

Trace the full origin ↓

Common pairings

a layer of schist mica schist outcrop of schist schist and gneiss

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C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

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Can you complete this real example?

The hikers climbed a ridge of dark _____ that glittered in the sun.

Etymology

English took the word from French schiste, which came from a Latin phrase meaning a stone that splits readily. That in turn goes back to Ancient Greek words for splittable and to split.

Origin: French

Rhymes for schist

ist list gist mist fist twist wrist whist Christ

See all rhymes for schist →

Frequently asked questions

What is schist?

Schist is a coarse-grained metamorphic rock with a layered structure. The layers let it split easily into slabs or slates.

How do you pronounce schist?

It is pronounced SHIST, rhyming with list. The sch sounds like sh and the i is short, as in sit.

Where does the word schist come from?

English took it from French schiste, which came from a Latin phrase meaning a stone that splits readily. That phrase goes back to Ancient Greek words for splittable and to split.

What is the meaning of schist?

"schist" (noun) means a coarse-grained metamorphic rock made of layers that split easily into thin slabs.