periclase

noun

peri·​clase

ˈperəˌklās,

-āz

variants or periclasite

ˌperəˈklā|ˌsīt,

pəˈriklə|,

|ˌzīt

plural -s

: native magnesia MgO in granular forms or isometric crystals (hardness 6, specific gravity 3.67–3.90)

Word History

Etymology

periclase from German periklas, modification of Italian periclasia, from Greek periklasis act of twisting or breaking around (from periklan to twist around, break around—from peri- + klan to break—+ -sis) + -ia -y (from Latin); periclasite from periclase + -ite (lame)

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