Definition of agate
1 : a fine-grained variegated chalcedony having its colors arranged in stripes, blended in clouds, or showing mosslike forms
2 : something made of or fitted with agate: such asa : a drawplate used by gold-wire drawersb : a playing marble of agate
3a : a size of type approximately 51⁄2 pointb : condensed information (such as advertisements or box scores) set especially in agate type
Explore M-W
Recent Examples of agate from the Web
-
An early mention of Bagwell, Oct. 12, 1982, was in tiny agate type.
-
Bracelets: Purple agate bangles, $68 each, Diadem Jewelry.
-
In September, she was rewarded with a gold-and-agate necklace that the archaeologists had spent four months trying to liberate from the earth.
-
Black agate and diamond earrings in pink 18k gold, $7,380.
These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'agate.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Origin and Etymology of agate
Middle French, from Latin achates, from Greek achatēs
AGATE Defined for English Language Learners
agate
playDefinition of agate for English Language Learners
-
: a very hard stone used especially in jewelry that has colors arranged in stripes or in patches
AGATE Defined for Kids
agate
playDefinition of agate for Students
: a mineral that is a form of quartz with colors arranged in stripes or patches and that is used especially in jewelry
Learn More about agate
-
See words that rhyme with agate Spanish Central: Translation of agate Nglish: Translation of agate for Spanish speakers Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about agate
Seen and Heard
What made you want to look up agate? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).
Writing? Check your grammar now!