augite

noun

au·​gite ˈȯ-ˌjīt 

1

: a usually black or dark green mineral that consists of aluminous pyroxene and is found especially in igneous rocks

2

: pyroxene

augitic

ȯ-ˈji-tik 

adjective

Example Sentences

Recent Examples on the Web

Basalt is a volcanic rock composed of augite and sometimes plagioclase and magnetite, which says nothing. —Louise Erdrich, The New Yorker, 2 Sep. 2019

Word History

Etymology

Latin augites, a precious stone, from Greek augitēs

First Known Use

1802, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

augite

noun

au·​gite ˈȯ-ˌjīt 

: a black to dark green variety of pyroxene