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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
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

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

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Cite this Entry

“Illite.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/illite. Accessed 10 Sep. 2025.

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