anthracitous
|an-thra-ci-tous|
/ænˈθræsɪtəs/
coal-like black
Etymology
'anthracitous' originates from English formation combining the noun 'anthracite' with the adjectival suffix '-ous'; 'anthracite' was borrowed into English from French 'anthracite', ultimately from Greek 'ἄνθραξ' ('ánthrax'), where the Greek root meant 'coal'.
'anthracitous' changed from the noun 'anthracite' (French 'anthracite', from Greek 'ἄνθραξ') by the addition of the English suffix '-ous' to form an adjective meaning 'of or like anthracite'.
Initially it meant 'of or relating to anthracite (the specific coal)', but over time it also came to be used more generally for the 'deep, glossy black color' characteristic of anthracite.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Adjective 1
resembling or pertaining to anthracite; having the deep, glossy black color or coal-like appearance of anthracite.
The car's finish had an anthracitous sheen that made it look almost like polished coal.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Adjective 2
of or relating to anthracite as a material (rare, technical usage).
Anthracitous deposits are valued for their high carbon content and low impurities.
Synonyms
Last updated: 2025/08/25 03:00