1. a piece of rock that becomes embedded in another rock of different composition during the formation of igneous rock
Usage: geology

Examples

• The geologist identified several xenoliths within the granite formation.
• Dark xenoliths were clearly visible against the lighter colored host rock.
• The volcanic rock contained xenoliths from the surrounding sedimentary layers.
• Scientists studied the xenoliths to understand the composition of deeper rock layers.
• The presence of xenoliths indicated that the magma had incorporated fragments of existing rock.
• Large xenoliths in the outcrop suggested violent volcanic activity during formation.