phengite

noun

phen·​gite
ˈfenˌjīt
plural -s
1
: a transparent or translucent stone probably selenite or crystallized gypsum used by the ancients for windows
2
: a variety of muscovite with substitution of aluminum for magnesium and silicon
phengitic
(ˈ)fen¦jitik
adjective

Word History

Etymology

German phengit, from Latin phengites, from Greek, from phengos light, moonlight + -itēs -ite

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Cite this Entry

“Phengite.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/phengite. Accessed 22 Dec. 2024.

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