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Porphyry

//ˈpɔɹ.fɪ.ɹi// name, noun

Definitions

Proper Noun
  1. 1
    A Tyrian Neoplatonic philosopher.
Noun
  1. 1
    A hard igneous rock consisting of large crystals in a fine-grained matrix. countable, uncountable
  2. 2
    any igneous rock with crystals embedded in a finer groundmass of minerals wordnet
  3. 3
    A hard igneous rock consisting of large crystals in a fine-grained matrix.; A purple-red rock of this kind. countable, uncountable

    "A quartet of porphyry warriors, locked for all time in stern embrace outside St. Mark's Basilica, were probably carved in the Fourth Century. They are believed to represent the Roman Emperor Diocletian and the three men who held power with him."

Etymology

From Old French porfire, from Ancient Greek πορφυρίτης λίθος (porphurítēs líthos, “purple stone”), from πορφύρα (porphúra, “purple-fish, purple dye”).

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