Langimage
English

orthite

|or-thite|

C2

🇺🇸

/ˈɔrθaɪt/

🇬🇧

/ˈɔːθaɪt/

rare mineral

Etymology
Etymology Information

'orthite' originates from Greek, specifically the word 'orthos,' where 'orthos' meant 'straight' or 'correct.'

Historical Evolution

'orthos' transformed into the mineralogical term 'orthite' in the 19th century, reflecting its crystalline structure.

Meaning Changes

Initially, it referred to the mineral's straight crystal structure, and this meaning has largely remained the same in modern usage.

Meanings by Part of Speech

Noun 1

a rare mineral, also known as allanite, which is a complex silicate containing rare earth elements.

The geologist discovered a vein of orthite in the rock formation.

Synonyms

Last updated: 2025/07/13 07:52