# gneiss

> English word · Noun · IPA /ˈnaɪs/ · frequency rank #64,405

## Definitions
1. A common and widely-distributed metamorphic rock having bands or veins, but not schistose.

## Etymology
From German Gneis, from Middle High German gneist (“spark”), from Old High German gneisto (“spark”). More at gnast.

## Source
Compiled from Wiktionary via kaikki.org (CC BY-SA). Data vintage: 2026-05-06.
Canonical page: https://plainspell.com/en/word/gneiss