chalcedony

(kal sed'n ē, kalsə dō′nē)

noun pl. chalcedonies

a type of quartz with a waxy luster and microscopic crystals often forming colorful, parallel bands

Origin: ME & OFr calcedoine < LL (Vulg.) calcedonius, used to transl. Gr chalkēdōn (only in Rev. 21:19), a precious stone < ?

See chalcedony in American Heritage Dictionary 4

also cal·ced·o·ny

noun pl. chal·ced·o·nies also cal·ced·o·nies
A translucent to transparent milky or grayish quartz with distinctive microscopic crystals arranged in slender fibers in parallel bands.

Origin:

Origin: Late Latin chalcēdonius

Origin: , from Greek khalkēdōn, a mystical stone (Revelation 21:19)

Origin: , perhaps from Khalkēdōn, Chalcedon

.

Related Forms:

  • chalˌce·donˈic (kălˌsĭ-dŏnˈĭk) adjective

Learn more about chalcedony

link/cite print suggestion box