galactite

noun

ga·​lac·​tite

gəˈlakˌtīt

plural -s

: an unidentified soluble stone possibly of calcium nitrate whose milky solution gave rise to many legends and superstitions in medieval times

Word History

Etymology

Middle French or Latin; Middle French galactite, from Latin galactites, from Greek galaktitēs (lithos) stone that makes water milky, from galakt-, gala milk

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined above

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