Lexic.us

Definition of Agate

1. Noun. An impure form of quartz consisting of banded chalcedony; used as a gemstone and for making mortars and pestles.

Definition of Agate

1. adv. On the way; agoing; as, to be agate; to set the bells agate.

2. n. A semipellucid, uncrystallized variety of quartz, presenting various tints in the same specimen. Its colors are delicately arranged in stripes or bands, or blended in clouds.

Definition of Agate

1. Noun. (countable uncountable mineralogy) A semi-pellucid, uncrystallized variety of quartz, presenting various tints in the same specimen, with colors delicately arranged in stripes or bands, or blended in clouds. ¹

2. Noun. (uncountable printing) A kind of type, larger than pearl and smaller than nonpareil; in England called ruby. ¹

3. Noun. (countable obsolete) A diminutive person; so called in allusion to the small figures cut in agate for rings and seals. ¹

4. Noun. A tool used by gold-wire drawers, bookbinders, etc.;—so called from the agate fixed in it for burnishing. ¹

5. Adverb. (obsolete) On the way; agoing; as, to be agate; to set the bells agate. ¹

¹ Source: wiktionary.com

Definition of Agate

1. a variety of quartz [n -S] : AGATOID [adj]

Medical Definition of Agate

1. 1. A semipellucid, uncrystallized variety of quartz, presenting various tints in the same specimen. Its colours are delicately arranged in stripes or bands, or blended in clouds. The fortification agate, or Scotch pebble, the moss agate, the clouded agate, etc, are familiar varieties. 2. A kind of type, larger than pearl and smaller than nonpareil; in England called ruby. This line is printed in the type called agate. 3. A diminutive person; so called in allusion to the small figures cut in agate for rings and seals. 4. A tool used by gold-wire drawers, bookbinders, etc.; so called from the agate fixed in it for burnishing. Origin: F. Agate, It. Agata, L. Achates, fr. Gr. Source: Websters Dictionary (01 Mar 1998)

Lexicographical Neighbors of Agate

Literary usage of Agate

Below you will find example usage of this term as found in modern and/or classical literature:

1. A Dictionary of Applied Chemistry by Thomas Edward Thorpe (1912)
"München, For many years the German agate-workers, Moss-agate consists of chalcedony enclosing practice is that of darkening certain layers in a twisted ..."

2. The Encyclopedia Americana: A Library of Universal Knowledge (1918)
"Most of the polished agate specimens and novelties of the tourist resorts ... The name dendritic-agate or tree- agate is given to these highly prized forms. ..."

3. The Encyclopaedia Britannica: A Dictionary of Arts, Sciences, Literature and (1910)
"The outer surface of an agate, freed from its matrix, is often pitted and rough, ... Much of the chalcedony in an agate is known, from the method of ..."

4. Handbook of Archæology: Egyptian--Greek--Etruscan--Roman by Hodder Michael Westropp (1867)
"The stones too that are found in India present the appearance in them of rivers (the river agate), woods (the moss agate), beasts of burden, and forms even, ..."

5. Narrative of the United States Exploring Expedition During the Years 1838 by Charles Wilkes (1845)
"VIGNETTES. Sketched by AT agate. Engraved by T. House, 8 Drawn by AT agate. Engraved by AC Warren, 43 Drawn by AT agate. Engraved by Smillie and ..."

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