noun
bauxite
BAWK-syt
Bauxite (noun) means a clay-like mineral that is the main ore of aluminium, made up of hydrated aluminium oxides and hydroxides. Example: “Bauxite is mined and refined to produce aluminium.”
noun
1
A clay-like mineral that is the main ore of aluminium, made up of hydrated aluminium oxides and hydroxides.
"Bauxite is mined and refined to produce aluminium."
"The region has large deposits of bauxite."
"Bauxite ore is processed into alumina before it becomes metal."
How to use bauxite
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishThe reddish, clay-like rock that aluminium is made from.
When to use it
It's a technical term used in geology, mining and industry.
Memory tip
The x is pronounced like ks, so it sounds like BAWK-syt, not baw-zyt.
Trace the full origin ↓
Common pairings
bauxite deposits
mine bauxite
bauxite ore
refine bauxite into aluminium
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_____ is mined and refined to produce aluminium.
Etymology
Bauxite takes its name from Les Baux, a place in France, with the mineral suffix -ite added. The ks sound heard in English comes from pronouncing the spelling as written.
Rhymes for bauxite
See all rhymes for bauxite →Frequently asked questions
What is bauxite used for?
It's the main ore from which aluminium is extracted.
Where does the name bauxite come from?
It comes from Les Baux, a place in France, where the mineral takes its name.
What is bauxite made of?
It's a clay-like mixture of hydrated aluminium oxides and hydroxides.
What is the meaning of bauxite?
"bauxite" (noun) means a clay-like mineral that is the main ore of aluminium, made up of hydrated aluminium oxides and hydroxides.
