SINCE 1828
dictionary
thesaurus

adder stone

noun
Save Word

Definition of adder stone

: a precious stone formerly believed to be efficacious in drawing out poison especially : a highly absorbent aluminous gem

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!

First Known Use of adder stone

1872, in the meaning defined above

History and Etymology for adder stone

so called from the belief that it is formed by adders and is efficacious against snakebite

Learn More About adder stone

Time Traveler for adder stone

Time Traveler

The first known use of adder stone was in 1872

See more words from the same year

Dictionary Entries Near adder stone

adderspit

adder stone

addict

See More Nearby Entries 

Statistics for adder stone

Cite this Entry

“Adder stone.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/adder%20stone. Accessed 8 Aug. 2022.

Style: MLA
MLACheck Mark Icon ChicagoCheck Mark Icon APACheck Mark Icon Merriam-WebsterCheck Mark Icon

WORD OF THE DAY

crepuscular

Listen to the pronunciation of crepuscular

See Definitions and Examples »

Test Your Vocabulary

Commonly Confused Words Quiz

  • vector image of a face with thought expression
  • I went to the ______ store to buy a birthday card.
True or False

Test your knowledge - and maybe learn something along the way.

TAKE THE QUIZ
Universal Daily Crossword

A daily challenge for crossword fanatics.

TAKE THE QUIZ
Love words? Need even more definitions?

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

Words at Play
Ask the Editors
Word Games