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 35-mm stainless steel case houses a quartz Seiko VD78A movement, which powers the hour and minute hands, plus a subdial showing the seconds. —Andy Boxall, Wired News, 29 July 2025

From there, a formal dining room flows to the family room, which links to a loggia, a fireside game room with a wet bar, and a sleek kitchen outfitted with quartz countertops, shaker cabinetry, two islands, and top-tier Wolf appliances. —Wendy Bowman, Robb Report, 29 July 2025

Distinctive elements: White oak vanity; brass fixtures; quartz countertops; Asian wallpaper. —Lennie Omalza, The Courier-Journal, 25 July 2025

Gaines also had the cabinets made from waterproof material and opted for quartz countertops rather than marble. —Monika Biegler Eyers, Better Homes & Gardens, 22 July 2025

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 heater
• quartz-iodine lamp
• smoky quartz

Rhymes for quartz

• courts
• forts
• morts
• portes
• ports
• quarts
• schwarz
• shorts
• snorts
• sorts
• sports
• thwarts

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