quartz

noun

ˈkwȯrts 

1

: a mineral consisting of silicon dioxide occurring in colorless and transparent or colored hexagonal crystals or in crystalline masses

2

: a quartz crystal that when placed in an electric field oscillates at a constant frequency and is used to control devices which require precise regulation

a quartz watch

quartzose

ˈkwȯrt-ˌsōs 

adjective

Examples of quartz in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The kitchen is equipped with shaker-style cabinetry and quartz countertops. —Natalia Senanayake, Peoplemag, 12 Apr. 2024

Another heavy hitter was a probably unique quartz wristwatch Jacqueline Dimier designed for Audemars Piguet in 1995. —Rachel Cormack, Robb Report, 12 Apr. 2024

The apartment is a luxury one, with home amenities including kitchens with quartz countertops, washers and dryers and private patios or balconies. —Alexandra Hardle, The Arizona Republic, 11 Apr. 2024

Formed mainly from rocks and minerals like quartz ground down over millennia, these sugary coastlines offer the quintessential seaside experience. —Steven Casale, Travel + Leisure, 11 Apr. 2024

Georgia Tech Researchers Create First Functional Graphene Semiconductor This heating step is done with an argon quartz tube in which a stack of two SiC chips are placed in a graphite crucible, according to de Heer. —IEEE Spectrum, 18 Jan. 2024

The kitchen has an island with a quartz countertop and seating, and there is a walk-in butler’s pantry with shelving. —Hope Hodge Seck, Washington Post, 20 Mar. 2024

Some of the units, were upgraded and have stainless steel appliances, quartz countertops and in-unit laundry. —Samantha Gowen, Orange County Register, 15 Mar. 2024

An adjacent dining area connects to the gourmet kitchen, which is furnished with quartz countertops, an expansive eat-in island and top-tier stainless appliances. —Wendy Bowman, Robb Report, 5 Mar. 2024

Word History

Etymology

German Quarz

First Known Use

circa 1631, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing quartz

• fused quartz
• quartz glass
• quartz-iodine lamp
• quartz heater
• smoky quartz

Kids Definition

quartz

noun

ˈkwȯ(ə)rts 

: a common mineral consisting of silicon dioxide that is often found in the form of colorless transparent crystals but is sometimes (as in amethysts, agates, and jaspers) brightly colored

Medical Definition

quartz

noun

ˈkwȯ(ə)rts 

: a mineral SiO₂ consisting of a silica that occurs in colorless and transparent or colored hexagonal crystals and also in crystalline masses