cerite

noun

ce·​rite
ˈsirˌīt
plural -s
1
: a mineral consisting of a hydrous silicate of cerium and allied metals occurring generally in brownish masses (hardness 5.5, specific gravity 4.86)
2
[Swedish cerin allanite (from cerium + -in -ine) + English -ite] : allanite

Word History

Etymology

Swedish cerit, from New Latin Ceres, an asteroid + Swedish -it -ite

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Cite this Entry

“Cerite.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/cerite. Accessed 22 Dec. 2024.

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