noun

agate

Agate (noun) means a semitransparent, uncrystallized silicate mineral and semiprecious stone, presenting various tints in the same specimen, with colors delicately arranged and often curved in parallel alternating dark and light stripes or bands, or blended in clouds; various authorities call it a variety of chalcedony, a variety of quartz, or a combination of the two.

noun

A semitransparent, uncrystallized silicate mineral and semiprecious stone, presenting various tints in the same specimen, with colors delicately arranged and often curved in parallel alternating dark and light stripes or bands, or blended in clouds; various authorities call it a variety of chalcedony, a variety of quartz, or a combination of the two.

The size of type between pearl and nonpareil, standardized as 5+¹⁄₂-point.

One fourteenth of an inch.

A diminutive person; so called in allusion to the small figures cut in agate for rings and seals.

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Etymology

From Middle French agathe, from Latin achatēs, from Ancient Greek ἀχάτης (akhátēs, “agate”).

Rhymes for agate

ate date rate mate fate abate slate plate state grate create update

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Frequently asked questions

What is the meaning of agate?

"agate" (noun) means a semitransparent, uncrystallized silicate mineral and semiprecious stone, presenting various tints in the same specimen, with colors delicately arranged and often curved in parallel alternating dark and light stripes or bands, or blended in clouds; various authorities call it a variety of chalcedony, a variety of quartz, or a combination of the two.

What are the different meanings of agate?

"agate" has 3 main meanings: 1. A semitransparent, uncrystallized silicate mineral and semiprecious stone, presenting various tints in the same specimen, with colors delicately arranged and often curved in parallel alternating dark and light stripes or bands, or blended in clouds; various authorities call it a variety of chalcedony, a variety of quartz, or a combination of the two; 2. The size of type between pearl and nonpareil, standardized as 5+¹⁄₂-point; 3. One fourteenth of an inch.