Sȳ'e-nīte, n.

n. [Lat. Syenites (sc. lapis), from Syene, Gr. Συήνη.] (Min.) A crystalline rock composed of quartz, hornblende, and feldspar, of grayish-white and reddish colors, taking its name from Syene, in Upper Egypt, where it was quarried for monuments by the ancient Egyptians. It differs from granite only in containing hornblende in the place of mica. [Written also sienite, sienitic.]