nepheline

noun

neph·​e·​line ˈne-fə-ˌlēn How to pronounce nepheline (audio)
variants or less commonly nephelite
: a hexagonal mineral that is a usually glassy crystalline silicate of sodium, potassium, and aluminum common in igneous rocks
nephelinic adjective

Word History

Etymology

French néphéline, from Greek nephelē cloud — more at nebula

First Known Use

circa 1814, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of nepheline was circa 1814

Dictionary Entries Near nepheline

Cite this Entry

“Nepheline.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/nepheline. Accessed 25 Mar. 2023.

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