spinel Hear it!

spinel definition

spi·nel (spi nel′, spin′əl)

noun

a variously colored, crystalline mineral, MgAlO, used as a gem; magnesium aluminum oxide

Etymology: Early ModE spynel < MFr spinelle < It spinella, dim. of spina, thorn, spine < L: see spine

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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