staurolite

noun

stau·​ro·​lite ˈstȯr-ə-ˌlīt How to pronounce staurolite (audio)
: a mineral consisting of a basic silicate of iron and aluminum in prismatic orthorhombic crystals often twinned so as to resemble a cross
staurolitic
ˌstȯr-ə-ˈli-tik How to pronounce staurolite (audio)
adjective

Word History

Etymology

French, from Greek stauros cross + French -lite — more at steer

First Known Use

circa 1815, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of staurolite was circa 1815

Dictionary Entries Near staurolite

staurolatry

staurolite

Stauromedusae

See More Nearby Entries 

Cite this Entry

“Staurolite.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/staurolite. Accessed 22 Nov. 2024.

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