Mica-slate, Mica-Schist, Micaceous Schistus. One of the metamorphic or crystalline stratified rocks of the hypogene class, which is characterized by being composed of a large proportion of mica united with quartz.
Miocene. A division of tertiary strata intervening between the Eocene and Pliocene formations; so called, because a minority of its fossil shells are referable to living species. Etym., μειων, meion, less, and καινος, kainos, recent.
Molasse. A provincial name for a soft green sandstone, associated with marl and conglomerates, belonging to the Miocene Tertiary Period, extensively developed in the lower country of Switzerland. Etym., French, molle, soft.
Mollusca, Molluscous Animals. Animals, such as shell-fish, which, being devoid of bones, have soft bodies. Etym., mollis, soft.
Monad. The smallest of visible animalcules, spoken of by Buffon and his followers as constituting the elementary molecules of organic beings.
Monitor. An animal of the saurian or lizard tribe, species of which are found in both the fossil and recent state.
Monocotyledonous. A grand division of the vegetable kingdom (including palms, grasses, Lilaceæ, &c.), founded on the plant having only one cotyledon, or seed-lobe. Etym., μονος, monos, single.
Moraine, a Swiss term for the débris of rocks brought into valleys by glaciers. See p. [228].
Moschus. A quadruped resembling the chamois or mountain goat, from which the perfume musk is obtained.
Mountain Limestone, or Carboniferous Limestone. A series of limestone strata of marine origin, usually forming the lowest member of the Coal Measures.