ˈlad.əˌrīt noun
( -s )
Etymology: Latin later brick, tile + English -ite; probably akin to Latin latus wide — more at latitude
1. : a residual product of rock decay that is red in color and has a high content in the oxides of iron and hydroxide of aluminum and a low proportion of silica
2.
a. : a zonal group of red soils developed in hot humid climates that show intense weathering and chemical change and leaching away of bases and silica leaving aluminum and iron hydroxides
b. : a crusted soil of this group or a horizon in such soil developed through restricted drainage ; especially : a mottled quarriable clay which hardens on exposure to air
• lat·er·it·ic | ̷ ̷ ̷ ̷|rid.ik adjective