Merriam-Webster Logo
SINCE 1828
Menu
dictionary thesaurus

hectorite

noun
hec·tor·ite | \ ˈhektəˌrīt \
plural -s

Definition of hectorite 

: a mineral (Mg,Li)3Si4O10(OH)2 consisting of a hydrous silicate of magnesium and lithium — compare montmorillonite

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!

History and Etymology for hectorite

Hector, California, its locality + English -ite

Keep scrolling for more

Learn More about hectorite

Dictionary Entries near hectorite

hectoliter

hectometer

hector

hectorite

Hecuba

heddle

heddler

Statistics for hectorite

Look-up Popularity

Comments on hectorite

What made you want to look up hectorite? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).

Show Comments  Hide Comments 

WORD OF THE DAY

biannual

occurring twice a year or every two years

Get Word of the Day daily email!

Test Your Vocabulary

Name that Food Quiz

  • alt-573b465788319
  • Name these cookies!
True or False

Test your knowledge - and maybe learn something along the way.

TAKE THE QUIZ
SCRABBLE® Sprint

Test Your Knowledge - and learn some interesting things along the way.

TAKE THE QUIZ

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

Words at Play

Ask the Editors

Word Games