Main Entry:

ze·o·lite

Pronunciation:

\ˈzē-ə-ˌlīt\

Function:

noun

Etymology:

Swedish zeolit, from Greek zein to boil + -o- + Swedish -lit -lite, from French -lite — more at yeast

Date:

circa 1777

: any of various hydrous silicates that are analogous in composition to the feldspars, occur as secondary minerals in cavities of lavas, and can act as ion-exchangers ; also : any of various natural or synthesized silicates of similar structure used especially in water softening and as adsorbents and catalysts

— ze·o·lit·ic \ˌzē-ə-ˈli-tik\ adjective