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View synonyms for obsidian

obsidian

[ uhb-sid-ee-uhn ]

noun

  1. a volcanic glass similar in composition to granite, usually dark but transparent in thin pieces, and having a good conchoidal fracture.


obsidian

/ ɒbˈsɪdɪən /

noun

  1. a dark volcanic glass formed by very rapid solidification of lava Also calledIceland agate


obsidian

/ ŏb-sĭdē-ən /

  1. A shiny, usually black, volcanic glass. Obsidian forms above ground from lava that is similar in composition to the magma from which granite forms underground, but cools so quickly that minerals do not have a chance to form within it.


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Word History and Origins

Origin of obsidian1

First recorded in 1350–1400; from Latin Obsidiānus, printer's error for Obsiānus “pertaining to Obsius,” the discoverer (according to Pliny) of a similar mineral in Ethiopia; replacing Middle English obsianus, from Latin

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Word History and Origins

Origin of obsidian1

C17: from Latin obsidiānus, erroneous transcription of obsiānus ( lapis ) (stone of) Obsius, the name (in Pliny) of the discoverer of a stone resembling obsidian

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Example Sentences

“I think the main reason is the availability of information and community groups that the Internet provides,” said Obsidian.

Dragonglass: The name accorded to volcanic glass or obsidian.

Around, the floor was composed of solid dark green obsidian, as hard and transparent and sharp as bottle-glass.

Agates, cornelians, obsidian, are also among the products of this nature.

The creation legend of the Cakchiquels of Guatemala makes much of a mysterious, primeval and animated obsidian stone.

In the Melanesian myth, dawn is cut out of the body of night by Qat, armed with a knife of red obsidian.

There was obsidian, evidently brought from a distance—de Morgan thinks from Armenia, a thousand miles away.

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