noun
onyx
O-nihks
Onyx (noun) means a banded gemstone form of quartz, often black and white, used in jewelry and carvings. Example: “She wore a ring set with a polished black onyx stone.”
noun
1
A banded gemstone form of quartz, often black and white, used in jewelry and carvings.
"She wore a ring set with a polished black onyx stone."
2
A deep, glossy black color, named after the gemstone.
"The car came in a sleek onyx finish."
adj
1
Deep black, often with a glossy shine, like the stone.
"He wore onyx cufflinks to the gala."
How to use onyx
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA black banded gemstone, or the glossy black color named after it.
Common pairings
black onyx
onyx ring
onyx black
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Word forms
- Plural
- onyxes
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She wore a ring set with a polished black _____ stone.
Etymology
From Old French onix or oniche, from Latin onyx, from Ancient Greek ónux, originally meaning "claw" or "fingernail" (a reference to the stone's pale, nail-like banding).
Synonyms
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Frequently asked questions
What does “onyx” mean?
The word “onyx” means a banded gemstone form of quartz, often black and white, used in jewelry and carvings. In plain terms, a black banded gemstone, or the glossy black color named after it.
How do you pronounce “onyx”?
“Onyx” is pronounced O-nihks (/ˈɒnɪks/ in IPA).
How do you use “onyx” in a sentence?
Here is “onyx” used in a sentence: “She wore a ring set with a polished black onyx stone.”
What part of speech is “onyx”?
Depending on how it is used, “onyx” can be a noun and an adjective.
Where does the word “onyx” come from?
The word “onyx” comes from Ancient Greek. From Old French onix or oniche, from Latin onyx, from Ancient Greek ónux, originally meaning "claw" or "fingernail" (a reference to the stone's pale, nail-like banding).
How many meanings does “onyx” have?
“Onyx” has 3 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a banded gemstone form of quartz, often black and white, used in jewelry and carvings.
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