Category:Plutonic

Plu*ton"ic, a. Etym: [cf. F. plutonique. See pluto.]

1. Of or pertaining to pluto; plutonian; hence, pertaining to the Interior of the earth; subterranean.

2. Of, pertaining to, or designating, the system of the plutonists; Igneous; as, the plutonic theory. Plutonic action (geol.), the Influence of volcanic heat and other subterranean forces under Pressure. -- plutonic rocks (geol.), granite, porphyry, and some other igneous Rocks, supposed to have consolidated from a melted state at a great Depth from the surface. Cf. Intrusive rocks, under intrusive. -- plutonic theory. (geol.) See plutonism.