1. having large crystals embedded in a fine-grained matrix
Usage: geology

Examples

• The porphyritic granite contained large feldspar crystals.
• Geologists identified the porphyritic texture in the volcanic rock sample.
• The porphyritic andesite showed distinct phenocrysts against the darker groundmass.
• Students examined porphyritic rocks under magnification to observe the crystal structure.
• The mountain’s porphyritic composition indicated its volcanic origin.
• Porphyritic textures form when magma cools at different rates.