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alabaster Definition

ala·bas·ter (al′ə bas′tər)

noun

  1. a translucent, whitish, fine-grained variety of gypsum, used for statues, vases, etc.
  2. a variety of calcite found esp. in stalactites and stalagmites: it is sometimes streaked or mottled like marble

Etymology: ME < OFr alabastre < L alabaster < Gr alabastros, earlier alabastos, vase for perfumes (often made of alabaster), prob. < Egypt *ʼa-labaste, vessel of (the goddess) Bast

adjective

of or like alabaster; esp., smooth and white

alabaster Related Forms
al′a·bas′·trine (-trin) adjective
alabaster Usage Examples

Adjective modifier

  • white: An effigy of the Madonna and the Infant Savior fashioned from white alabaster seen on a corbel on the east wall of the church.

Modifies a noun

  • effigy: An alabaster effigy with long aristocratic features, like a horse's.
  • vase: Well-lit displays feature archeological finds from Kition, including a ceramic collection with alabaster vases, tools, coins and lamps.
  • jar: Was Judas right about the alabaster jar of perfume?
  • tomb: The impressive alabaster tomb of the Foster family, carved in great detail, forms a background for one of the two stages.
  • monument: The alabaster monument to Sir George St Paul who died some 30 years later dominates the north chapel.
  • skin: With more than admiration he admired Her azure veins, her alabaster skin, Her coral lips, her snow-white dimpled chin.

Noun used with modifier

  • century: In the chancel is a 14th century alabaster statue of a knight, the only example of its kind in Hertfordshire.

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