cipolin

noun

cipo·​lin
ˈsipələ̇n,
¦sēpə¦laⁿ
variants or cipollino
ˌchēpəˈlē(ˌ)nō
plural -s
: a light-colored Roman marble containing layers of micaceous minerals and abundant silicates

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from French & Italian; French cipolin, cipollin, borrowed from Italian (marmo) cipollino, from cipollino, masculine variant of cipollina, diminutive of cipolla "onion"; so called because the marble's wavy veins suggest the layers of an onion

Love words?

You must — there are over 200,000 words in our free online dictionary, but you are looking for one that’s only in the Merriam-Webster Unabridged Dictionary.

Start your free trial today and get unlimited access to America's largest dictionary, with:

  • More than 250,000 words that aren't in our free dictionary
  • Expanded definitions, etymologies, and usage notes
  • Advanced search features
  • Ad free!

Dictionary Entries Near cipolin

Cite this Entry

“Cipolin.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/cipolin. Accessed 29 Mar. 2024.

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!