troilite

noun

: a mineral that is a variety of pyrrhotite and that is widely but sparsely distributed (as on earth, in meteorites, and in lunar soil samples)

Examples of troilite in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
These examples are automatically compiled from online sources to illustrate current usage. Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Researchers determined the samples to be 99.5 percent carbon with inclusions of other trace elements such as troilite and iridium. Breanna Draxler, Discover Magazine, 1 July 2013 Chemical analysis of the glass identified minerals only found in extraterrestrial rocks and minerals, such as cubanite, troilite, pyrrhotite lath, or calcium-aluminum-rich inclusions. Elizabeth Gamillo, Smithsonian Magazine, 8 Nov. 2021 The analysis also showed minerals like cubanite and troilite, both found in the Wild 2 comet and meteorites. Ashley Strickland, CNN, 3 Nov. 2021

Word History

Etymology

German Troilit, from Domenico Troili, 18th century Italian scientist + German -it -ite

First Known Use

circa 1868, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of troilite was circa 1868

Dictionary Entries Near troilite

Cite this Entry

“Troilite.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/troilite. Accessed 5 Nov. 2024.

Last Updated: - Definition revised
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