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mica definition

mica (mī′kə)

noun

any of a group of minerals that are complex silicates that crystallize in thin, somewhat flexible, translucent or colored, easily separated layers, including muscovite, biotite, and lepidolite: mica is resistant to heat and electricity

Etymology: ModL < L, a crumb, grain (< IE *(s)meik-, var. of base *(s)mei-, to smear, rub over > OE smitte, a smudge): sense infl. by micare, to shine, glitter < IE *meik-, to flicker, blink

Related Forms:

  • micaceous mi·ca′·ceous (-kā′s̸həs) adjective

Webster's New World College Dictionary Copyright © 2009 by Wiley Publishing, Inc., Cleveland, Ohio.
Used by arrangement with John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

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