Merriam-Webster Logo
SINCE 1828
Menu
dictionary thesaurus

pyrites

noun
py·​rites | \ pə-ˈrī-tēz How to pronounce pyrites (audio) , pī-; ˈpī-ˌrīts How to pronounce pyrites (audio) \
plural pyrites

Definition of pyrites

: any of various metallic-looking sulfides of which pyrite is the commonest

Other Words from pyrites

pyritic \ pə-​ˈri-​tik How to pronounce pyritic (audio) , pī-​ \ adjective

First Known Use of pyrites

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined above

History and Etymology for pyrites

Latin, flint, from Greek pyritēs of or in fire, from pyr fire

Keep scrolling for more

Learn More about pyrites

Statistics for pyrites

Look-up Popularity

Time Traveler for pyrites

The first known use of pyrites was before the 12th century

See more words from the same century

Comments on pyrites

What made you want to look up pyrites? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).

Show Comments  Hide Comments 

WORD OF THE DAY

insuperable

Listen to the pronounciation of insuperable

incapable of being surmounted or overcome

Get Word of the Day daily email!

Test Your Vocabulary

Finance Words Quiz

  • a-piggy-bank
  • The etymology of mortgage is related most closely to which two words?
How Strong Is Your Vocabulary?

Test your vocabulary with our 10-question quiz!

TAKE THE QUIZ
Dictionary Devil

Test Your Knowledge - and learn some interesting things along the way.

TAKE THE QUIZ
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

Words at Play
Ask the Editors
Word Games