staurolite

noun

stau·​ro·​lite ˈstȯr-ə-ˌlīt How to pronounce staurolite (audio)
: a mineral consisting of a basic silicate of iron and aluminum in prismatic orthorhombic crystals often twinned so as to resemble a cross
staurolitic adjective

Word History

Etymology

French, from Greek stauros cross + French -lite — more at steer

First Known Use

circa 1815, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of staurolite was circa 1815

Dictionary Entries Near staurolite

Cite this Entry

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

More from Merriam-Webster on staurolite

Love words? Need even more definitions?

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