pitchblende

noun

pitch·​blende ˈpich-ˌblend How to pronounce pitchblende (audio)
: a brown to black mineral that consists of massive uraninite, has a distinctive luster, contains radium, and is the chief ore-mineral source of uranium

Word History

Etymology

partial translation of German Pechblende, from Pech pitch + Blende blende

First Known Use

1770, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of pitchblende was in 1770

Dictionary Entries Near pitchblende

Cite this Entry

“Pitchblende.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/pitchblende. Accessed 27 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

pitchblende

noun
pitch·​blende ˈpich-ˌblend How to pronounce pitchblende (audio)
: a brown to black mineral that is a source of uranium and radium

Medical Definition

pitchblende

noun
pitch·​blende ˈpich-ˌblend How to pronounce pitchblende (audio)
: a brown to black mineral that consists of massive uraninite, has a distinctive luster, contains radium, and is the chief ore-mineral source of uranium

More from Merriam-Webster on pitchblende

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