Pōr'phy-ry, n.

n. [Fr. porphyre, Pr. porfiri, Sp., Pg., & It. porfido, Lat. porphyrites, from Gr. πορφυρίτης, like purple, from πορφύρα, purple.] (Min.) A rock consisting of a compact base, usually feldspathic, through which crystals of feldspar are disseminated. The crystals are of a lighter tint than the base, and often white. There are red, purple, and green varieties, which are highly esteemed as marbles. Dana.

Porphyry shell (Conch.), a univalve shell of the genus Murex.