selenite

noun sel·e·nite \ ˈse-lə-ˌnīt \

Definition of selenite

: a variety of gypsum occurring in transparent crystals or crystalline masses

Recent Examples of selenite from the Web

The hallway outside of Alec and Hilaria's master bedroom epitomizes the home's farmhouse-meets-transitional style with a reclaimed barn door and a chunky selenite chandelier by Ron Dier.

— emma dibdin, ELLE Decor, "Alec and Hilaria Baldwin Escape From City Life—and Hollywood's Prying Eyes," 1 Nov. 2016

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'selenite.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Origin and Etymology of selenite

Middle English selinete, from Latin selenites, from Greek selēnitēs (lithos), literally, stone of the moon, from selēnē; from the belief that it waxed and waned with the moon

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First Known Use: 15th century

in the meaning defined above

See Words from the same year