ɪks, ˈoʊ noun
1.
Mineralogy. a variety of chalcedony having straight parallel bands of alternating colors. Compare Mexican onyx.
2.
(not used technically) an unbanded chalcedony dyed for ornamental purposes.
3.
black, especially a pure or jet black.
4.
Medicine/Medical. a nail of a finger or toe.
adjective
5.
black, especially jet black.
00:10
Onyx
is always a great word to know.
So is ninnyhammer. Does it mean:
| a scrap or morsel of food left at a meal. |
| a fool or simpleton; ninny. |
Origin:
1250–1300; Middle English onix < Latin onyx < Greek ónyx nail, claw, veined gem
1250–1300; Middle English onix < Latin onyx < Greek ónyx nail, claw, veined gem
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2013.
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Based on the Random House Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2013.
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Link To onyx
Collins
World English Dictionary
onyx (ˈɒnɪks) ![[Click for IPA pronunciation guide]](http://static.sfdict.com/dictstatic/g/d/dictionary_questionbutton_default.gif) | |
| —n | |
| 1. | a variety of chalcedony with alternating black and white parallel bands, used as a gemstone. Formula: SiO2 |
| 2. | a compact variety of calcite used as an ornamental stone; onyx marble. Formula: CaCO3 |
| [C13: from Latin from Greek: fingernail (so called from its veined appearance)] | |
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 10th Edition
2009 © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins
Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009
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2009 © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins
Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009
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Etymonline
Word Origin & History
onyx
mid-13c., from O.Fr. oniche, from L. onyx (gen. onychis), from Gk. onyx "onyx-stone," originally "claw, fingernail." So called because the mineral's color sometimes resembles that of a fingernail, pink with white streaks.
Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2010 Douglas Harper
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American Heritage
Medical Dictionary
onyx on·yx (ŏn'ĭks)
n.
See unguis.
A collection of pus in the anterior chamber of the eye.
The American Heritage® Stedman's Medical Dictionary
Copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Company.
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Copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Company.
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American Heritage
Science Dictionary
onyx  (ŏn'ĭks) Pronunciation Key
A type of chalcedony that occurs in straight and parallel bands of different colors, often black and white. |
The American Heritage® Science Dictionary
Copyright © 2002. Published by Houghton Mifflin. All rights reserved.
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Copyright © 2002. Published by Houghton Mifflin. All rights reserved.
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Easton
Bible Dictionary
Onyx definition
a hail; claw; hoof, (Heb. shoham), a precious stone adorning the breast-plate of the high priest and the shoulders of the ephod (Ex. 28:9-12, 20; 35:27; Job 28:16; Ezek. 28:13). It was found in the land of Havilah (Gen. 2:12). The LXX. translates the Hebrew word by smaragdos, an emerald. Some think that the sardonyx is meant. But the onyx differs from the sardonyx in this, that while the latter has two layers (black and white) the former has three (black, white, and red).
Easton's 1897 Bible Dictionary
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