View synonyms for onyx

onyx

[ on-iks ]

Phonetic (Standard)IPA

noun

Mineralogy. a variety of chalcedony having straight parallel bands of alternating colors. Compare Mexican onyx.
(not used technically) an unbanded chalcedony dyed for ornamental purposes.
black, especially a pure or jet black:
The pelt of this animal can range from onyx to light brown, depending on the season.
Medicine/Medical. a nail of a finger or toe.

made of or set with banded chalcedony:
He wore the onyx cufflinks she had given him for his birthday.
black, especially jet black:
She was a vision in black, from her onyx hair to her shiny boots.

onyx

/ ˈɒnɪks /

a variety of chalcedony with alternating black and white parallel bands, used as a gemstone. Formula: SiO 2
a compact variety of calcite used as an ornamental stone; onyx marble. Formula: CaCO 3

onyx

/ ŏn′ĭks /

A type of chalcedony that occurs in straight and parallel bands of different colors, often black and white.

Origin of onyx¹

First recorded in 1250–1300; Middle English onix, from Latin onyx, from Greek ónyx “nail, claw, veined gem”; nail ( def ), unguis ( def )

Origin of onyx¹

C13: from Latin from Greek: fingernail (so called from its veined appearance)

By contrast this cup is made of gold, onyx, precious stones, and the stone agate.

On the pink cotton inside lay a clasp of black onyx, on which was inlaid a curious symbol or letter in gold.

The 1952 onyx & diamond panther bracelet sold for $7,036,874, the highest ever paid for a bracelet or any Cartier at auction.

At the Men of ONYX booth, I decided to give the Butt Plug Toss a whirl.

The body had fallen at the base of one of the great onyx columns, near the side wall of the lobby.

The seal was a heavy, square onyx, with a foul anchor engraved on one side.

A close inspection would also separate them into several varieties—as onyx, agate, dotted agate, &c.

The columns and pillars of onyx and bronze held up a magnificent ceiling, broken by the circular stained glass of the skylight.

One of the most beautiful stalagmitic rocks is the so-called onyx marble of Algeria.

Browse