opal
Opal (noun) means a gemstone form of silica that often displays a shifting play of rainbow colors within it. Example: “The necklace was set with a single fiery opal.”
How to use opal
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA colorful, shimmering gemstone, or the pale iridescent color named after it.
Word forms
opals plural
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
The necklace was set with a single fiery _____.
Etymology
From Latin opalus, ultimately traced back to Sanskrit upala ("gem, stone"); first recorded in English around 1598.
Rhymes for opal
See all rhymes for opal →Frequently asked questions
What does “opal” mean?
The word “opal” means a gemstone form of silica that often displays a shifting play of rainbow colors within it. In plain terms, a colorful, shimmering gemstone, or the pale iridescent color named after it.
How do you pronounce “opal”?
“Opal” is pronounced OH-puhl (/ˈoʊpəl/ in IPA).
How do you use “opal” in a sentence?
Here is “opal” used in a sentence: “The necklace was set with a single fiery opal.”
What part of speech is “opal”?
“Opal” is a noun.
Where does the word “opal” come from?
The word “opal” dates back to around 1598 and comes from Latin. From Latin opalus, ultimately traced back to Sanskrit upala ("gem, stone"); first recorded in English around 1598.
Is “opal” a common word?
“Opal” is an uncommon word in modern English.
How many meanings does “opal” have?
“Opal” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a gemstone form of silica that often displays a shifting play of rainbow colors within it.