rutile

noun

ru·​tile ˈrü-ˌtēl How to pronounce rutile (audio)
: a reddish-brown to black mineral that consists of titanium dioxide usually with a little iron and has a brilliant metallic or adamantine luster

Examples of rutile 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.
As a crystal of zircon, apatite or rutile forms, trace amounts of radioactive uranium get incorporated into its structure. — Meghan Bartels, Scientific American, 14 Aug. 2024 The analysis revealed the presence of zircon, apatite and rutile grains within the fragments. — Ashley Strickland, CNN, 14 Aug. 2024

Word History

Etymology

German Rutil, from Latin rutilus

First Known Use

1805, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of rutile was in 1805

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Cite this Entry

“Rutile.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/rutile. Accessed 24 Mar. 2025.

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Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about rutile

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