anorthoclase

noun

an·​or·​tho·​clase

əˈnȯrthəˌklās,

-āz

plural -s

: a feldspar of chiefly sodium potassium aluminum silicate that is closely related to orthoclase but triclinic

Word History

Etymology

International Scientific Vocabulary an- + orthoclase; originally formed as German anorthoklase

First Known Use

1888, in the meaning defined above

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!