laterite

 
Pronunciation: /ˈlatərʌɪt/

noun

[mass noun]
  • a reddish clayey material, hard when dry, forming a topsoil in some tropical or subtropical regions and sometimes used for building.
  • Geology a clayey soil horizon rich in iron and aluminium oxides, formed by weathering of igneous rocks in moist warm climates.

Derivatives

lateritic

Pronunciation: /-ˈrɪtɪk/
adjective

Origin:

early 19th century: from Latin later 'brick' + -ite1