Cummingtonite

/kəˈmɪŋtənaɪt/ noun

Definition

A type of mineral, specifically an amphibole mineral that is an iron magnesium silicate, often brown or greenish in color.

Etymology

Named after Cummington, Massachusetts, where the mineral was first identified and studied in the 19th century; follows the geological naming convention of using discovery location + '-ite' suffix.

Kelly Says

Cummingtonite has a quirky place in geology—it's named after a small town in Massachusetts that most people have never heard of, yet geologists worldwide immediately know what you mean when you say this one word.

Related Words

Explore More Words

Get the Word Orb API

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