olivine

noun

ol·​iv·​ine ˈä-lə-ˌvēn How to pronounce olivine (audio)
: a usually greenish mineral that is a complex silicate of magnesium and iron used especially in refractories compare peridot
olivinic adjective
or olivinitic

Examples of olivine in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web So, take something like plagioclase, pyroxene and olivine, the most abundant minerals in basalt and all anhydrous (lacking water in their structure) and plop it for thousands to millions of years in a wet environment like an ocean floor. Erik Klemetti, Discover Magazine, 27 June 2024 Because different minerals crystallize at different temperatures (yes, molten rock has a freezing point), minerals like olivine that crystallize early can settle to the bottom of a magma body and accumulate. Scott K. Johnson, Ars Technica, 18 Sep. 2023 When that happens, a mineral called olivine that dominates the peridotite readily reacts with water molecules, sparking a series of chemical steps called serpentinization. Quanta Magazine, 4 Jan. 2024 These rocks are often heavy in minerals like olivine and pyroxene. Matt Benoit, Discover Magazine, 19 Dec. 2023 See all Example Sentences for olivine 

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

German Olivin, from Latin oliva

First Known Use

1794, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of olivine was in 1794

Dictionary Entries Near olivine

Cite this Entry

“Olivine.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/olivine. Accessed 27 Jul. 2024.

Kids Definition

olivine

noun
ol·​iv·​ine ˈäl-ə-ˌvēn How to pronounce olivine (audio)
: a usually greenish mineral that is a silicate of magnesium and iron

More from Merriam-Webster on olivine

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