Catoptrite

/kəˈtɑptraɪt/ noun

Definition

A mineral or crystalline substance with reflective properties, or historically, a type of polished stone used as a mirror.

Etymology

From Greek 'katoptron' (mirror) + -ite (mineral suffix). The -ite ending is used in mineralogy to denote specific minerals and crystal types.

Kelly Says

Before glass mirrors existed, people polished metals and certain stones to use as mirrors—'catoptrite' describes these reflective materials that ancient peoples valued almost as highly as precious gems.

Related Words

Explore More Words

Get the Word Orb API

Complete word intelligence in one call. Free tier — 50 lookups/day.