illite

noun

il·​lite ˈi-ˌlīt How to pronounce illite (audio)
: any of a group of clay minerals having essentially the crystal structure of muscovite
illitic 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 Benson and colleagues think that the caldera’s illite formed when lithium-rich fluid, heated by the underlying volcano, washed over smectite. Rahul Rao, Popular Science, 30 Aug. 2023

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'illite.' 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

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

First Known Use

1937, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of illite was in 1937

Dictionary Entries Near illite

Cite this Entry

“Illite.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/illite. Accessed 28 Mar. 2024.

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