noun
agate
AG-uht/ˈæɡət/
A banded variety of chalcedony used as a decorative gemstone.
The polished agate reveals concentric bands of different colors.
Etymology
Greek akhatēs also named a Sicilian river where agates were found. The stone may have taken its name from the river, as Pliny reported, but the river could instead have been named for the stone.
In context
suggested an agate cameo carved by a master’s hand.
More examples
- A slice of agate stood on the windowsill.
- The collector arranged several agates in a display case.
- Fine layers run through the agate like ripples in water.
Forms
agate · agates
Similar words
- chalcedony
- Names the broader mineral variety that includes agate.
- jasper
- Usually lacks agate's translucent, distinctively banded appearance.