orichalcum

[ awr-i-kal-kuhm ]

noun

1. a brass rich in zinc, prepared by the ancients.

Word History and Origins

Origin of orichalcum¹

1640–50; < Latin < Greek oreíchalkos literally, mountain-copper, equivalent to orei-, combining form of óros mountain + chalkós copper

Example Sentences

The roof was of ivory, adorned with gold and silver and orichalcum, and the rest of the interior was lined with orichalcum.

From Project Gutenberg

Thus tureigua hobin, which Peter Martyr translates rex resplendens uti orichalcum,23 in Arawack means shining like something red.

From Project Gutenberg