alabaster
Americannoun
-
a finely granular variety of gypsum, often white and translucent, used for ornamental objects or work, such as lamp bases, figurines, etc.
-
Also called Oriental alabaster. a variety of calcite, often banded, used or sold as alabaster.
adjective
-
made of alabaster.
an alabaster column.
-
resembling alabaster; smooth and white.
her alabaster throat.
noun
-
a fine-grained usually white, opaque, or translucent variety of gypsum used for statues, vases, etc
-
a variety of hard semitranslucent calcite, often banded like marble
adjective
Other Word Forms
Derived Forms
Etymology
Origin of alabaster
1350–1400; < Latin < Greek alábastros; replacing Middle English alabastre < Middle French < Latin
Explanation
Alabaster is a pale mineral that's soft enough for carving. In museums, you're likely to see statues and vases carved from alabaster. The root of alabaster is a Greek word meaning "perfume vase," alabastros. You'll also find ancient tomb carvings, windows in medieval cathedrals, and Egyptian sarcophagi made of alabaster. Alabaster is usually white, and because it is translucent, seems lit from within. For this reason, it often describes a pale complexion that seems to glow from the inside.
Vocabulary lists containing alabaster
The Cay
Looking to grow your vocabulary? Check out this interactive, curated word list from our team of English language specialists at Vocabulary.com – one of over 17,000 lists we've built to help learners worldwide!
Wonder
Interested in learning more words like this one? Our team at Vocabulary.com has got you covered! You can review flashcards, quiz yourself, practice spelling, and more – and it's all completely free to use!
White
Want to remember this word for good? Start your learning journey today with our library of interactive, themed word lists built by the experts at Vocabulary.com – we'll help you make the most of your study time!
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
“A feeling of chaos and unpredictability are at the core of what inflation creates in the mind,” said Enrique de Rosa Alabaster, a psychiatrist who studies behavioral science.
From Washington Post • Jan. 27, 2022
Alabama brought in three five-star players and 16 four-stars, with edge rusher Jeremiah Alexander of Alabaster, Alabama, the highest rated of the 21 signed by coach Nick Saban.
From Seattle Times • Dec. 15, 2021
Bryan worked as an ear, nose and throat physician in Alabaster.
From Washington Times • Mar. 11, 2021
Alabaster and I never completely stopped seeing each other, although we dated other people.
From New York Times • Jan. 17, 2020
Today, I get to put makeup on Alabaster Sloan.
From "How It Went Down" by Kekla Magoon
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
