churchite

1 of 2

noun (1)

church·​ite
-ˌchīt,
usually -īt+V
plural -s
: a church supporter or advocate

churchite

2 of 2

noun (2)

"
plural -s
: a mineral (Ce,Ca) (PO4).2H2O consisting of a hydrous cerium calcium phosphate occurring in thin drusy crusts of small light gray to pink crystals (specific gravity 3.1)

Word History

Etymology

Noun (1)

church entry 1 + -ite

Noun (2)

Arthur H. Church †1915 English chemist + English -ite

First Known Use

Noun (1)

1791, in the meaning defined above

Noun (2)

1865, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of churchite was in 1791

The Ultimate Dictionary Awaits

Expand your vocabulary and dive deeper into language with Merriam-Webster Unabridged.

  1. Expanded definitions
  2. Detailed etymologies
  3. Advanced search tools
  4. All ad-free

Discover what makes Merriam-Webster Unabridged the essential choice for true word lovers.

Start Your Free Trial Now

Dictionary Entries Near churchite

Cite this Entry

“Churchite.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/churchite. Accessed 18 Dec. 2024.

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!