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noun

obsidian

ob-SIHD-ee-uhn

Obsidian (noun) means a smooth, glassy black rock formed when lava cools very quickly. Example: “The ancient blade was carved from obsidian.”

noun
1
A smooth, glassy black rock formed when lava cools very quickly.
"The ancient blade was carved from obsidian."
"Obsidian can be sharpened to an edge finer than surgical steel."
adj
1
Deep glossy black, like the volcanic glass.
"The cat's obsidian eyes gleamed in the dark."

How to use obsidian

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishA shiny black volcanic glass, or the deep black colour it has.

Common pairings
a shard of obsidian obsidian black polished obsidian

Word forms

more obsidian comparative, obsidians plural, most obsidian superlative

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The ancient blade was carved from _____.

Etymology

From Latin obsidianus (lapis), traditionally said to be named after a Roman called Obsidius who was credited with discovering the stone.

Origin: Latin

Rhymes for obsidian

See all rhymes for obsidian →

Frequently asked questions

What does “obsidian” mean?

The word “obsidian” means a smooth, glassy black rock formed when lava cools very quickly. In plain terms, a shiny black volcanic glass, or the deep black colour it has.

How do you pronounce “obsidian”?

“Obsidian” is pronounced ob-SIHD-ee-uhn (/əbˈsɪd.i.ən/ in IPA).

How do you use “obsidian” in a sentence?

Here is “obsidian” used in a sentence: “The ancient blade was carved from obsidian.”

What part of speech is “obsidian”?

Depending on how it is used, “obsidian” can be a noun and an adjective.

Where does the word “obsidian” come from?

The word “obsidian” comes from Latin. From Latin obsidianus (lapis), traditionally said to be named after a Roman called Obsidius who was credited with discovering the stone.

How many meanings does “obsidian” have?

“Obsidian” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a smooth, glassy black rock formed when lava cools very quickly.

Definitions: FreeDict original editorial