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batholith

batholith
Noun
pl: batholiths

This term is a specialized geological descriptor used primarily in academic, scientific, and technical contexts. It describes a specific scale of igneous intrusion, distinguishing it from smaller formations like stocks or dikes. The word carries a neutral, descriptive tone and is rarely encountered in casual conversation unless discussing geography or earth sciences.

Because it refers to a distinct geological entity, it is treated as a countable noun. Geologists may refer to multiple batholiths when comparing different mountain ranges or tectonic regions.

Meanings

Nounbatholith

A large mass of intrusive igneous rock, typically granite, that forms from cooled magma deep within the Earth's crust and is often exposed by erosion.

The Sierra Nevada mountains are largely composed of a massive batholith.

Examples

The geologist pointed to the map to show where the batholith begins.

School Life

Millions of years of erosion eventually revealed the hidden batholith.

History

I wonder how much pressure was required to form a batholith of this size.

The entire mountain range is essentially one giant batholith.

Trivia

Look at these granite crystals; they are typical of a cooling batholith.

School Life

A massive batholith shifted the surrounding rock layers during its ascent.

The valley was carved out of a prehistoric batholith by ancient glaciers.

Travel

Is this region characterized by a single batholith or several smaller plutons?

School Life

The deep roots of the batholith extend far into the lower crust.

Related Words

plutonmagmagraniteintrusionigneouslithospherecrustlaccolithsilldykecrystallizationgeologyvolcanismstockchambererosionupliftmineralquartzfeldsparmicacoolingbedrockstratigraphypetrology
Last Updated: May 2026Report an Error