ETYM Latin later brick, tile: cf. French latérite.
A red soil produced by rock decay; contains insoluble deposits of ferric and aluminum oxides.
Geology, red clay formed by weathering of oxide-bearing rocks.
Red residual soil characteristic of tropical rainforests. It is formed by the weathering of basalts, granites, and shales and contains a high percentage of aluminum and iron hydroxides. It may form an impermeable and infertile layer that hinders plant growth.