opal
pronunciation
How to pronounce opal in British English:
UK ['əʊpəl]
How to pronounce opal in American English:
US ['oʊpəl]
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- Noun:
- a translucent mineral consisting of hydrated silica of variable color; some varieties are used as gemstones
Word Origin
- opal (n.)
- 1590s, from Middle French opalle (16c.), from Latin opalus (Pliny), supposedly from Greek opallios, possibly ultimately from Sanskrit upala-s "gem, precious stone." Used in Middle English in Latin form (late 14c.).
Example
- 1. They call this image peanut opal
- 2. If something as straightforward as an opal can make such a circuitous journey , imagine what goes on with sophisticated electronics .
- 3. But a new hydrate mineral has now entered the picture : hydrated silica , commonly known as opal .
- 4. No , but the bedrock schist beneath them is studded with opal , beryl , chrysoberyl , garnet , and three kinds of tourmaline .