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malachite definition

mala·chite (mal′ə kīt′)

noun

a bright green, monoclinic mineral, copper carbonate, CuCO(OH), that is an ore of copper and is used as a gem and to make ornamental objects

Etymology: ME melochites < L molochites < Gr molochitēs, a stone (? malachite) < malachē, molochē, mallow (its color is like that of mallow leaves): < ? Heb malluaḥ, a lettuce-like plant > L malva, mallow

Webster's New World College Dictionary Copyright © 2005 by Wiley Publishing, Inc., Cleveland, Ohio.
Used by arrangement with John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

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Fig. and/or Meta. Uses of malachite and mallow155 years ago

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