zeolite

ze·o·lite   (zē'ə-līt')    n.  Any one of a family of hydrous aluminum silicate minerals, whose molecules enclose cations of sodium, potassium, calcium, strontium, or barium, or a corresponding synthetic compound, used chiefly as molecular filters and ion-exchange agents. [Swedish zeolit, from Greek zein, to boil (from its swelling and boiling under the blowpipe); see yes- in Indo-European roots.]

Main Entry: ze·o·lite
Pronunciation: 'zE-&-"lIt
Function: noun
: any of various hydrous silicates that can act as ion-exchangers;also : any of various natural or synthesized silicates of similar structure used in water softening and as adsorbents —ze·o·lit·ic /"zE-&-'lit-ik/ adjective

zeolite   (zē'ə-līt')  Pronunciation Key  Any of a family of hydrous aluminum silicate minerals, whose molecules enclose cations of sodium, potassium, calcium, strontium, or barium. Zeolites are usually white or colorless, but they can also be red or yellow. They are characterized by their easy and reversible loss of water of hydration. They usually occur within cavities in basalt.