sardonyx

noun

sar·​don·​yx sär-ˈdä-niks How to pronounce sardonyx (audio)
 also  ˈsär-də-niks
: an onyx having parallel layers of sard

Examples of sardonyx in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
During battle, Roman soldiers would wear sardonyx rings with Mars (the god of war) for protection. Olivia Munson, USA TODAY, 1 Aug. 2024 During battle, Roman solider would wear sardonyx rings with Mars, the god of war, for protection. Olivia Munson, USA TODAY, 24 July 2023 It is mounted in yellow gold and carved in pink-colored sardonyx, the figure of a cupid seated on a rock, his ankle in chains, his arms and hands raised to his face, wiping away tears. Beth Bernstein, Forbes, 8 June 2022 Yet the sardonyx into which all this was carved is about a half-inch thick. Judith H. Dobrzynski, WSJ, 21 Sep. 2018

Word History

Etymology

Middle English sardonix, from Latin sardonyx, from Greek

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of sardonyx was in the 14th century

Dictionary Entries Near sardonyx

Cite this Entry

“Sardonyx.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/sardonyx. Accessed 21 Dec. 2024.

More from Merriam-Webster on sardonyx

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!