gangue

noun

ˈgaŋ How to pronounce gangue (audio)
: the worthless rock or vein matter in which valuable metals or minerals occur

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from French, going back to Middle French, borrowed from German Gang "walk, course, passageway, mineral vein or seam," going back to Old High German gang "walk, course" — more at gang entry 1

First Known Use

1809, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of gangue was in 1809

Dictionary Entries Near gangue

Gangtok

gangue

gang up

See More Nearby Entries 

Cite this Entry

“Gangue.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/gangue. Accessed 1 Dec. 2024.

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More from Merriam-Webster on gangue

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about gangue

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