pitchblende

noun

pitch·​blende ˈpich-ˌblend 

: a brown to black mineral that consists of massive uraninite, has a distinctive luster, contains radium, and is the chief ore-mineral source of uranium

Word History

Etymology

partial translation of German Pechblende, from Pech pitch + Blende blende

First Known Use

1770, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

pitchblende

noun

pitch·​blende ˈpich-ˌblend 

: a brown to black mineral that is a source of uranium and radium

Medical Definition

pitchblende

noun

pitch·​blende ˈpich-ˌblend 

: a brown to black mineral that consists of massive uraninite, has a distinctive luster, contains radium, and is the chief ore-mineral source of uranium