Dictionary
Thesaurus
Encyclopedia
Translator
Web
Popular Searches
Synonyms
Nearby Words

alabastrine

 - 2 dictionary results

al⋅a⋅bas⋅ter

  [al-uh-bas-ter, -bah-ster]
Use alabastrine in a Sentence
–noun
1. a finely granular variety of gypsum, often white and translucent, used for ornamental objects or work, such as lamp bases, figurines, etc.
2. Also called Oriental alabaster. a variety of calcite, often banded, used or sold as alabaster.
–adjective Also, al⋅a⋅bas⋅trine  [al-uh-bas-trin] .
3. made of alabaster: an alabaster column.
4. resembling alabaster; smooth and white: her alabaster throat.
Origin:
1350–1400; < L < Gk alábastros; r. ME alabastre < MF < L
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2009.
Cite This Source Link To alabastrine
Word Origin & History

alabaster 
a translucent whitish kind of gypsum used for vases, ornaments, and busts, 1375, from O.Fr. alabastre, from L. alabaster "colored rock used to make boxes and vessels for unguents," from Gk. alabast(r)os "vase for perfumes," probably from Egypt. 'a-labaste "vessel of the goddess Bast." Used figuratively for whiteness and smoothness from 1580.
Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2001 Douglas Harper
Cite This Source
Search another word or see alabastrine on Thesaurus | Reference
FacebookTwitterFollow us:
Partner Sites:
Ask AnswersEviteExpediaHotelsHotwireLife123LiveDailyMy Way