pyrite
Meanings
noun
- The common mineral iron disulfide (FeS₂), of a pale brass-yellow color and brilliant metallic luster, crystallizing in the isometric system.
- Any metallic-looking sulphide, such as the above, which is the most common.
- (usually as a plural: pyrites) Any metal dichalcogenide that is isostructural to the common mineral.
Pronunciation
Word forms
Etymology
Etymology tree Proto-Indo-European *péh₂wr̥ Proto-Hellenic *pāwər Ancient Greek πῦρ (pûr) Proto-Indo-European *-tósder. Ancient Greek -της (-tēs)der. Ancient Greek -ῑ́της (-ī́tēs) Ancient Greek πῠρῑ́της (pŭrī́tēs)bor. Latin pȳritēsder. Old French pyriteder. English pyrite Recorded since 1555, from Old French pyrite (12th century), from Latin pȳritēs, from Ancient Greek πυρίτης λίθος (purítēs líthos, “stone of fire, flint”) (so called because it glitters), notably the first part: adjective πυρίτης (purítēs, “of or in fire”), from πῦρ (pûr, “fire”). Analyzable as pyr- + -ite
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