sericite

noun

ser·​i·​cite
ˈserəˌsīt
plural -s
: a scaly variety of muscovite having a silky luster and occurring in various metamorphic rocks
sericitic
¦⸗⸗¦sitik
adjective

Word History

Etymology

German sericit, from Latin sericus silken + German -it -ite

First Known Use

1853, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of sericite was in 1853

The Ultimate Dictionary Awaits

Expand your vocabulary and dive deeper into language with Merriam-Webster Unabridged.

  1. Expanded definitions
  2. Detailed etymologies
  3. Advanced search tools
  4. All ad-free

Discover what makes Merriam-Webster Unabridged the essential choice for true word lovers.

Start Your Free Trial Now

Dictionary Entries Near sericite

Cite this Entry

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

Love words? Need even more definitions?

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