onyx

noun

on·​yx ˈä-niks 

: a translucent chalcedony in parallel layers of different colors

Examples of onyx in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Vinegar is never safe on marble, travertine, limestone, onyx, terrazzo, and cement or encaustic tile. — Daley Quinn, Southern Living, 12 Sep. 2026

The room itself is lovely, with Midcentury Modern touches including curved cherry-wood walls, illuminated white onyx Corian surfaces and low lighting. — Amy Nicholson, Los Angeles Times, 8 Sep. 2026

The unmistakable four-leaf symbol of luck has been set in iterations of onyx, turquoise, and guilloché gold since its launch in 1968. — Air Mail, 5 Sep. 2026

Elton’s gifts to Freddie included artworks, an onyx and gold bracelet, a Cartier ring and, later, Lalique vases. — Andy Greene, Rolling Stone, 3 Sep. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Middle English oniche, onyx, from Anglo-French & Latin; Anglo-French, from Latin onych-, onyx, from Greek, literally, claw, nail — more at nail

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for onyx

• conics
• phonics
• sonics
• tonics
• avionics
• electronics
• histrionics
• hydroponics
• nucleonics
• ultrasonics
• harmonics
• ionics

Kids Definition

onyx

noun

on·​yx ˈän-iks 

: chalcedony in parallel layers of different color