laterite noun. ['latǝrʌɪt] E19.
[from Latin later brick + -ITE¹.]
A clayey (usu. red) soil or soil horizon characterized by a high proportion of sesquioxides, esp. of aluminium and iron, and a low proportion of bases and silica, formed by chemical weathering in tropical and subtropical regions; esp. one which hardens or has hardened on exposure to air; loosely any of various other reddish or iron-rich surface materials in the tropics and sub-tropics.

► The use and proper application of the word have been the subject of much debate.

■ lateritic [latǝ'rɪtɪk] adjective resembling, of the nature of, or approaching the composition of laterite M19.

[TahlilGaran] English Dictionary ▲