dolomite
noun
do·lo·mite
ˈdō-lə-ˌmīt 
ˈdä-
1
: a mineral CaMg(CO3)2 consisting of a calcium magnesium carbonate found in crystals and in extensive beds as a compact limestone
2
: a limestone or marble rich in magnesium carbonate
Examples of dolomite in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
As Lydia Pyne wrote for Ars in 2018: Caves in that area of South Africa form as water percolates through the cracks and fissures of the region’s dolomite rock and slowly erodes the rock away, forming underground caverns of all shapes and sizes.
—
Samuel Axon and Ron Amadeo, Ars Technica, 5 June 2023
But for certain sludge-dwelling bacteria, making dolomite is no problem at all.
—Rachel Preiser, Discover Magazine, 11 Nov. 2019
But none of them can match the beauty of these frozen gold flames of resinous wood, twisting up from the rocky, white dolomite soil.
—Paul McHugh, Sacramento Bee, 31 Jan. 2024
With too many close-calls, the couple travels to the snowy dolomites in Italy to take down other spies and soon after are ordered to go to Lake Como for a kidnapping assignment.
—Malik Peay, Essence, 2 Feb. 2024
Much of that is the soft, pale, alkaline dolomite that gives the range its name – a kind of limestone preferred by the bristlecone pines.
—Paul McHugh, Sacramento Bee, 31 Jan. 2024
Soluble rocks like limestone, dolomite, and gypsum are submerged under water, where the minerals slowly dissolve into the surrounding water.
—Jennifer Ouellette, Ars Technica, 14 Nov. 2023
The limestone/dolomite cave shares much in common with Cave of the Mounds, including similar formations (stalactites, stalagmites, columns and flowstones) and development inside (stairs, railings and lighting), but there is one major difference: bats.
—Chelsey Lewis, Journal Sentinel, 5 Aug. 2022
Also, the air in the Inyo National Forest is so dry, the climate so cold and the rocky dolomite soil — the color of which lends its name to the White Mountains — so unfriendly that the pines have little competition from other plants, creatures or pests.
—Soumya Karlamangla Adam Perez, New York Times, 8 Oct. 2022
Samuel Axon and Ron Amadeo, Ars Technica, 5 June 2023
But for certain sludge-dwelling bacteria, making dolomite is no problem at all.
—Rachel Preiser, Discover Magazine, 11 Nov. 2019
But none of them can match the beauty of these frozen gold flames of resinous wood, twisting up from the rocky, white dolomite soil.
—Paul McHugh, Sacramento Bee, 31 Jan. 2024
With too many close-calls, the couple travels to the snowy dolomites in Italy to take down other spies and soon after are ordered to go to Lake Como for a kidnapping assignment.
—Malik Peay, Essence, 2 Feb. 2024
Much of that is the soft, pale, alkaline dolomite that gives the range its name – a kind of limestone preferred by the bristlecone pines.
—Paul McHugh, Sacramento Bee, 31 Jan. 2024
Soluble rocks like limestone, dolomite, and gypsum are submerged under water, where the minerals slowly dissolve into the surrounding water.
—Jennifer Ouellette, Ars Technica, 14 Nov. 2023
The limestone/dolomite cave shares much in common with Cave of the Mounds, including similar formations (stalactites, stalagmites, columns and flowstones) and development inside (stairs, railings and lighting), but there is one major difference: bats.
—Chelsey Lewis, Journal Sentinel, 5 Aug. 2022
Also, the air in the Inyo National Forest is so dry, the climate so cold and the rocky dolomite soil — the color of which lends its name to the White Mountains — so unfriendly that the pines have little competition from other plants, creatures or pests.
—Soumya Karlamangla Adam Perez, New York Times, 8 Oct. 2022
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'dolomite.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Word History
Etymology
French, from Déodat de Dolomieu †1801 French geologist
First Known Use
1794, in the meaning defined at sense 1
Dictionary Entries Near dolomite
Cite this Entry
“Dolomite.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/dolomite. Accessed 16 Apr. 2024.
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Kids Definition
dolomite
noun
do·lo·mite
ˈdō-lə-ˌmīt
ˈdäl-ə-
: a mineral found in broad layers as a compact limestone
More from Merriam-Webster on dolomite
Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about dolomite
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