English Explanatory Dictionary

agate

English dictionary entry

Meanings

noun
  1. A semitransparent, uncrystallized silicate mineral and semiprecious stone, presenting various tints in the same specimen, with colors delicately arranged and often curved in parallel alternating dark and light stripes or bands, or blended in clouds; various authorities call it a variety of chalcedony, a variety of quartz, or a combination of the two.
  2. The size of type between pearl and nonpareil, standardized as 5+¹⁄₂-point.
  3. One fourteenth of an inch.
  4. A diminutive person; so called in allusion to the small figures cut in agate for rings and seals.
  5. A tool used by gold-wire drawers, bookbinders, etc.;—so called from the agate fixed in it for burnishing.
  6. A marble made from agate.
  7. A testicle.
adv
  1. On the way; agoing.

Pronunciation

/ˈæɡ.ɪt/ /ˈæɡ.ət/ LL-Q1860 (eng)-Vealhurl-agate1.wav /əˈɡeɪt/ LL-Q1860 (eng)-Vealhurl-agate2.wav

Word forms

agate agates

Etymology

From Middle French agathe, from Latin achatēs, from Ancient Greek ἀχάτης (akhátēs, “agate”).

Synonyms

ruby aggie

Related words

aggie

Derived words

agate glass agatelike agate line agate ruler agate snail agateware agatiferous agatiform agatine agatization agatize agaty connie agate eye agate lace agate moss agate
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