ˈsīəˌnīt noun
( -s )
Etymology: Latin Syenites ( lapis ), from Syenites of Syene (from Syene, ancient city in Egypt + Latin -ites -ite) + lapis stone
1. archaic : a variety of granite anciently quarried at Syene in Upper Egypt in which biotite is substituted for or accompanied by hornblende
2. : a phanerocrystalline intrusive igneous rock composed of dominant alkaline feldspar with or without subordinate plagioclase and without notable quartz or nepheline