periclase

[ per-i-kleys, -kleyz ]
/ ˈpɛr ɪˌkleɪs, -ˌkleɪz /

noun

a cubic mineral, native magnesia, MgO, occurring usually in metamorphosed dolomite.

Origin of periclase

1835–45; < German Periklas < New Latin periclasia, equivalent to peri- peri- + Greek klás(is) a breaking (cf. -clase) + -ia -ia

British Dictionary definitions for periclase

periclase
/ (ˈpɛrɪˌkleɪs) /

noun

a mineral consisting of magnesium oxide in the form of isometric crystals or grains: occurs in metamorphosed limestone

Derived forms of periclase

periclastic (ˌpɛrɪˈklæstɪk), adjective

Word Origin for periclase

C19: from New Latin periclasia, from Greek peri very + klasis a breaking, referring to its perfect cleavage