pitchblende

noun

pitch·​blende ˈpich-ˌblend How to pronounce pitchblende (audio)
: 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

Time Traveler
The first known use of pitchblende was in 1770

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Cite this Entry

“Pitchblende.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/pitchblende. Accessed 28 Feb. 2025.

Kids Definition

pitchblende

noun
pitch·​blende ˈpich-ˌblend How to pronounce pitchblende (audio)
: a brown to black mineral that is a source of uranium and radium

Medical Definition

pitchblende

noun
pitch·​blende ˈpich-ˌblend How to pronounce pitchblende (audio)
: 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

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