quartz

noun

ˈkwȯrts 

1

: a mineral consisting of silicon dioxide occurring in colorless and transparent or colored hexagonal crystals or in crystalline masses

2

: a quartz crystal that when placed in an electric field oscillates at a constant frequency and is used to control devices which require precise regulation

a quartz watch

quartzose

ˈkwȯrt-ˌsōs 

adjective

Examples of quartz in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Instead, follow our instructions on how to clean quartz countertops the right way. —Melissa Locker, Southern Living, 7 Oct. 2024

Tangent Hurricane Helene shut down operations at a quartz mine—an area critical to semiconductor chip manufacturing across the world—in Spruce Pine, North Carolina. —Lindsey Choo, Forbes, 2 Oct. 2024

The quartz mined from this area is used as a crucible to melt polysilicon, which is then used to produce silicon wafers — the base of a semiconductor. —Emma Roth, The Verge, 30 Sep. 2024

Whether in romantic relationships or friendships, rose quartz promotes peace and understanding, helping this Air sign stay in touch with their understanding, justice-seeking nature. —Valerie Mesa, People.com, 27 Sep. 2024

Word History

Etymology

German Quarz

First Known Use

circa 1631, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing quartz

• fused quartz
• quartz glass
• quartz heater
• quartz-iodine lamp
• smoky quartz

Kids Definition

quartz

noun

ˈkwȯ(ə)rts 

: a common mineral consisting of silicon dioxide that is often found in the form of colorless transparent crystals but is sometimes (as in amethysts, agates, and jaspers) brightly colored

Medical Definition

quartz

noun

ˈkwȯ(ə)rts 

: a mineral SiO₂ consisting of a silica that occurs in colorless and transparent or colored hexagonal crystals and also in crystalline masses