mafic

enUK

maf·ic

M0023700 (măf′ĭk)adj. Relating to or containing a group of dark-colored silicate minerals, composed chiefly of magnesium and iron, that occur in igneous rocks, including hornblende, pyroxene, olivine, and biotite.
[ma(gnesium) + Latin f(errum), iron + -ic.]

mafic

(ˈmæfɪk) n (Geological Science) a collective term for minerals present in igneous rockadj (Geological Science) relating to igneous rocks or silicate minerals

maf•ic

(ˈmæf ɪk)

adj. of or pertaining to rocks rich in dark, ferromagnesian minerals. [1910–15; ma(gnesium) + Latin f(errum) iron + -ic]