Saprolite
/ˈsæprəˌlaɪt/noun
A soft, decomposed rock formed by deep chemical weathering.
Did you know?Saprolite was coined in geology from Greek roots meaning “rotten” and “rock,” so its name literally describes stone that has been chemically putrefied in place.
Etymological Timeline
19th Century
French
saprolite
“A term for deeply weathered, decomposed rock”
19th Century
Greek
sapros
“Rotten, putrid, decayed”
19th Century
Greek
lithos
“Stone, rock”
Modern English
English
saprolite
“Soft, decomposed rock formed by deep weathering”