gneiss

From German Gneis, from Middle High German gneist (“spark”), from Old High German gneisto (“spark”). More at gnast.

• enPR: nīs, IPA^(key): /ˈnaɪs/

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• Rhymes: -aɪs
• Homophone: nice

gneiss (usually uncountable, plural gneisses)

1. (geology) A common and widely-distributed metamorphic rock having bands or veins, but not schistose.
   • 2004, Richard Fortey, The Earth, Folio Society 2011, p. 98:

     The old towns along the route are as solidly built from the gneiss of the region as you might expect.

• sengis, singes