SHALE


Meaning of SHALE in English

n. soft finely stratified rock that splits easily, consisting of consolidated mud or clay. shale oil oil obtained from bituminous shale. shaly adj.

[ prob. f. G Schale f. OE sc(e)alu rel. to ON sk l (see SCALE(2)) ]

Concise Oxford English dictionary.      Краткий оксфордский словарь английского языка.