noun

apatite

AP-uh-tyt

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Apatite (noun) means a mineral made of calcium, phosphate and fluoride, used in fertiliser and sometimes as a gemstone. Example: “The geologist identified the green crystal as apatite.”

noun

mineralogy A mineral made of calcium, phosphate and fluoride, used in fertiliser and sometimes as a gemstone.

"The geologist identified the green crystal as apatite."

"Apatite is also formed in living bodies, where it makes up part of bones and teeth."

"Some fertilisers are made using apatite."

How to use apatite

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishA mineral of calcium phosphate that is found in rocks and also in bones and teeth.

When to use it

It is a technical word used in geology and mineralogy.

Memory tip

Do not confuse apatite, a mineral, with appetite, the desire for food.

Trace the full origin ↓

Easily confused with

appetite →

Common pairings

apatite crystal apatite mineral deposits of apatite apatite in bone

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C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

Test yourself on “apatite” A quick quiz — meaning, synonyms & usage →

Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

The geologist identified the green crystal as _____.

Etymology

The German geologist Abraham Gottlob Werner coined the German word Apatit, first used in a 1786 book. It comes from an Ancient Greek word for deceit, because the mineral is often mistaken for others.

Origin: German

Rhymes for apatite

rite bite lite kite cite mite site white write trite smite quite

See all rhymes for apatite →

Frequently asked questions

What is apatite?

Apatite is a mineral containing calcium, phosphate and fluoride. It is also produced biologically in bones and teeth.

Why is apatite called apatite?

The name comes from a Greek word meaning deceit, because the mineral is often mistaken for other minerals.

Is apatite the same as appetite?

No. They mean different things, although in General American pronunciation the two words sound the same.

What is the meaning of apatite?

"apatite" (noun) means a mineral made of calcium, phosphate and fluoride, used in fertiliser and sometimes as a gemstone.