quartz

noun

ˈkwȯrts 

1

: a mineral consisting of silicon dioxide occurring in colorless and transparent or colored hexagonal crystals or in crystalline masses

2

: a quartz crystal that when placed in an electric field oscillates at a constant frequency and is used to control devices which require precise regulation

a quartz watch

quartzose

ˈkwȯrt-ˌsōs 

adjective

Examples of quartz in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The countertops are quartz, with a white tile backsplash and floating shelves. —Angela Serratore, New York Times, 19 Feb. 2025

The apartments span from 3,500 square feet and are defined by sinuous and arched architectural elements as well as materials including wood paneling, travertine stone and quartz for kitchen countertops. —Martino Carrera, WWD, 16 Jan. 2025

Composite Resin Fillings Composite resin fillings that are designed to resemble the color of your teeth consist of a synthetic resin base and powdered quartz, silica, or glass. —Anna Giorgi, Verywell Health, 10 Jan. 2025

The new one is quartz, which has been trending lately in luxury watches, particularly gold dress watches (presumably to counteract the skyrocketing price of the precious metal). —Carol Besler, Robb Report, 18 Dec. 2024

Word History

Etymology

German Quarz

First Known Use

circa 1631, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing quartz

• fused quartz
• quartz glass
• quartz heater
• quartz-iodine lamp
• smoky quartz

Rhymes for quartz

• courts
• forts
• morts
• portes
• ports
• quarts
• schwarz
• shorts
• snorts
• sorts
• sports
• thwarts

Kids Definition

quartz

noun

ˈkwȯ(ə)rts 

: a common mineral consisting of silicon dioxide that is often found in the form of colorless transparent crystals but is sometimes (as in amethysts, agates, and jaspers) brightly colored

Medical Definition

quartz

noun

ˈkwȯ(ə)rts 

: a mineral SiO₂ consisting of a silica that occurs in colorless and transparent or colored hexagonal crystals and also in crystalline masses