spessartite

noun

spes·​sar·​tite ˈspe-sər-ˌtīt How to pronounce spessartite (audio)
variants or spessartine
ˈspe-sər-ˌtēn How to pronounce spessartite (audio)
: a manganese aluminum garnet usually containing other elements (such as iron) in minor amounts

Example Sentences

Recent Examples on the Web At the center of its delicate gold band — sculpted to resemble unfurling branches — is an 11-carat spessartite stone the color of an Aperol spritz. —New York Times, 24 Feb. 2022

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

Word History

Etymology

French, from Spessart mountain range, Germany

First Known Use

1850, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of spessartite was in 1850

Dictionary Entries Near spessartite

spes recuperandi

spessartite

spet

See More Nearby Entries 

Cite this Entry

“Spessartite.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/spessartite. Accessed 21 Mar. 2023.

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More from Merriam-Webster on spessartite

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about spessartite

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