pyroxene

noun

py·​rox·​ene pī-ˈräk-ˌsēn How to pronounce pyroxene (audio)
pə-
: any of a group of igneous-rock-forming silicate minerals that contain calcium, sodium, magnesium, iron, or aluminum, usually occur in short prismatic crystals or massive form, are often laminated, and vary in color from white to dark green or black
pyroxenic
ˌpī-ˌräk-ˈsē-nik How to pronounce pyroxene (audio)
pə-
-ˈse- How to pronounce pyroxene (audio)
adjective
pyroxenoid
pī-ˈräk-sə-ˌnȯid How to pronounce pyroxene (audio)
pə-
adjective or noun

Examples of pyroxene in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Already, preliminary analysis of the sediment core has uncovered lower levels of the mineral pyroxene than what has been found in other parts of the world, along with higher levels of magnesium. — Margherita Bassi, Smithsonian Magazine, 12 Aug. 2024 There was less of the mineral pyroxene and higher concentrations of magnesium in the rock. — Laura Baisas, Popular Science, 8 Aug. 2024

Word History

Etymology

French pyroxène, from Greek pyr- + xenos stranger

First Known Use

1800, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of pyroxene was in 1800

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“Pyroxene.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/pyroxene. Accessed 23 Mar. 2025.

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Kids Definition

pyroxene

noun
py·​rox·​ene pī-ˈräk-ˌsēn How to pronounce pyroxene (audio)
: any of various silicate minerals that usually contain aluminum, calcium, sodium, magnesium, or iron

More from Merriam-Webster on pyroxene

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about pyroxene

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