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periclase

noun
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peri·​clase | \ ˈperəˌklās, -āz \
variants: or periclasite \ ˌperəˈklā|ˌsīt , pəˈriklə| , |ˌzīt \
plural -s

Definition of periclase

: native magnesia MgO in granular forms or isometric crystals (hardness 6, specific gravity 3.67–3.90)

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History and Etymology for periclase

periclase from German periklas, modification of Italian periclasia, from Greek periklasis act of twisting or breaking around (from periklan to twist around, break around—from peri- + klan to break—+ -sis) + -ia -y (from Latin); periclasite from periclase + -ite (lame)

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Cite this Entry

“Periclase.” The Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster Inc., https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/periclase. Accessed 16 December 2019.

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