adamite

1 of 3

noun (1)

ad·​am·​ite

ˈa-də-ˌmīt

variants or less commonly adamine

ˈa-də-ˌmēn

plural -s

: a mineral Zn₂(OH)AsO₄ consisting of a basic zinc arsenate (hardness 3.5, specific gravity 4.34–4.35)

Adamite

2 of 3

noun (2)

Ad·​am·​ite

ˈa-də-ˌmīt

plural -s

1

: a person who imitates Adam in going naked

specifically : a member of any of various ascetic sects noted for practicing ritual nakedness in secret religious assemblies and dispensing with marriage on the basis of having entered a reborn state of heavenly innocence

2

: a descendant of Adam : a human being

Adamite

3 of 3

adjective

Ad·​am·​ite

ˈa-də-ˌmīt

: of, relating to, or descended from Adam

Word History

Etymology

Noun (1)

adamite, modification (influenced by -ite) of French adamine, from Gilbert-Joseph Adam †1881 French mineralogist + French -ine; adamine from French

Noun (2)

Adam, the biblical first man + English -ite

First Known Use

Noun (1)

1866, in the meaning defined above

Noun (2)

1542, in the meaning defined above

Adjective

1719, in the meaning defined above

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