apatite

noun

ap·a·tite | \ ˈa-pə-ˌtīt

Definition of apatite

: any of a group of calcium phosphate minerals occurring in various colors as hexagonal crystals, as granular masses, or in fine-grained masses as the chief constituent of phosphate rock and of bones and teeth especially : calcium phosphate fluoride

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When uranium decays to lead, a natural process that happens at a steady rate, the split leaves a tiny track in the apatite that is visible under a microscope. — Lisa Grossman, WIRED, "Glaciers Help Mountains Grow," 15 Sep. 2010

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'apatite.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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The first known use of apatite was in 1794

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apatite

noun

ap·a·tite | \ ˈap-ə-ˌtīt

Medical Definition of apatite

: any of a group of calcium phosphate minerals occurring variously as hexagonal crystals, as granular masses, or in fine-grained masses as the chief constituent of bones and teeth and of phosphate rock especially : calcium phosphate fluoride Ca₅F(PO₄)₃