adamite

1 of 3

noun (1)

ad·​am·​ite
ˈa-də-ˌmīt
variants or less commonly adamine
ˈa-də-ˌmēn
plural -s
: a mineral Zn2(OH)AsO4 consisting of a basic zinc arsenate (hardness 3.5, specific gravity 4.34–4.35)

Adamite

2 of 3

noun (2)

Ad·​am·​ite
ˈa-də-ˌmīt
plural -s
1
: a person who imitates Adam in going naked
specifically : a member of any of various ascetic sects noted for practicing ritual nakedness in secret religious assemblies and dispensing with marriage on the basis of having entered a reborn state of heavenly innocence
2
: a descendant of Adam : a human being

Adamite

3 of 3

adjective

Ad·​am·​ite
ˈa-də-ˌmīt
: of, relating to, or descended from Adam

Word History

Etymology

Noun (1)

adamite, modification (influenced by -ite) of French adamine, from Gilbert-Joseph Adam †1881 French mineralogist + French -ine; adamine from French

Noun (2)

Adam, the biblical first man + English -ite

First Known Use

Noun (1)

1866, in the meaning defined above

Noun (2)

1542, in the meaning defined above

Adjective

1719, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of adamite was in 1542

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Dictionary Entries Near adamite

Cite this Entry

“Adamite.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/adamite. Accessed 29 Dec. 2024.

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