Min. [f. L. later brick + -ITE1.] A red, porous, ferruginous rock, forming the surface covering in some parts of India and south-western Asia.
1807. F. Buchanan, Journ. fr. Madras, II. 460. In general, the Laterite, or brick-stone, comes very near the surface.
1871. Tylor, Prim. Cult., I. 53. In the gravel-beds of Europe, the laterite of India, and other more superficial localities.
attrib. 1851. R. F. Burton, Goa, 176. A pile of laterite rock rising abruptly from a level expanse of sand.
1886. Guillemard, Cruise Marchesa, II. 327. The red laterite roads.
