illite

noun

il·​lite ˈi-ˌlīt 

: any of a group of clay minerals having essentially the crystal structure of muscovite

illitic

i-ˈli-tik 

adjective

Examples of illite in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Benson and his colleagues studied samples of both smectite and illite drilled from the ground throughout the caldera. — Rahul Rao, Popular Science, 30 Aug. 2023

Word History

Etymology

Illinois, state of U.S. + -ite entry 1

First Known Use

1937, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for illite

• acquit
• admit
• armpit
• backlit
• befit
• cockpit
• commit
• dalit
• dendrite
• emit
• misfit
• moonlit