nephrite

(nef′rīt′)

noun

a fine-grained, greenish variety of actinolite, that is a less valuable type of jade

Origin: Ger nephrit < Gr nephritēs, of the kidneys < nephros, kidney (see nephro-): formerly worn as a supposed remedy for kidney ailments

See nephrite in American Heritage Dictionary 4

noun

A white to dark green variety of jade, chiefly a metasilicate of iron, calcium, and magnesium.

Origin:

Origin: Greek nephros, kidney (from the belief that it cured kidney diseases)

Origin: + -ite¹

Learn more about nephrite

nephrite science

nephrite in a sentence

link/cite print suggestion box

More from YD