phenakite

noun

phen·​a·​kite ˈfe-nə-ˌkīt How to pronounce phenakite (audio)
ˈfē-
variants or phenacite
ˈfe-nə-ˌsīt How to pronounce phenakite (audio)
ˈfē-
: a hard glassy mineral that consists of a silicate of beryllium and occurs especially in rhombohedral crystals

Word History

Etymology

German Phenakit, from Greek phenak-, phenax deceiver; from its being easily mistaken for quartz

First Known Use

circa 1834, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of phenakite was circa 1834

Dictionary Entries Near phenakite

phenakistoscope

phenakite

phenanthr-

See More Nearby Entries 

Cite this Entry

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

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Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about phenakite

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