nephrite

[ nef-rahyt ]
/ ˈnɛf raɪt /

noun

Mineralogy. a compact or fibrous variety of actinolite, varying from whitish to dark green: a form of jade.

Origin of nephrite

From the German word Nephrit, dating back to 1785–95. See nephr-, -ite1

Words nearby nephrite

nephrectomize, nephrectomy, nephrelcosis, nephric, nephridium, nephrite, nephritic, nephritic syndrome, nephritis, nephritogenic, nephro-

Example sentences from the Web for nephrite

British Dictionary definitions for nephrite

nephrite
/ (ˈnɛfraɪt) /

noun

a tough fibrous amphibole mineral: a variety of jade consisting of calcium magnesium silicate in monoclinic crystalline form. Formula: Ca 2 Mg 5 Si 8 O 22 (OH) 2 Also called: kidney stone

Word Origin for nephrite

C18: via German Nephrit from Greek nephrós kidney, so called because it was thought to be beneficial in kidney disorders

Scientific definitions for nephrite

nephrite
[ nĕf′rīt′ ]

A green to blue variety of jade. Nephrite is an amphibole and is the least precious form of jade. Chemical formula: Ca2(Mg,Fe)5Si8O22(OH)2.