This shows grade level based on the word's complexity.
alabaster
[ al-uh-bas-ter, -bah-ster ]
/ ˈæl əˌbæs tər, -ˌbɑ stər /
Save This Word!
This shows grade level based on the word's complexity.
noun
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 Also al·a·bas·trine [al-uh-bas-trin]. /ˌæl əˈbæs trɪn/.
made of alabaster: an alabaster column.
resembling alabaster; smooth and white: her alabaster throat.
QUIZ
CAN YOU ANSWER THESE COMMON GRAMMAR DEBATES?
There are grammar debates that never die; and the ones highlighted in the questions in this quiz are sure to rile everyone up once again. Do you know how to answer the questions that cause some of the greatest grammar debates?
Question 1 of 7
Which sentence is correct?
Origin of alabaster
1350–1400; <Latin <Greek alábastros; replacing Middle English alabastre<Middle French <Latin
Words nearby alabaster
Alabama, Alabamian, alabamine, alabandite, à l'abandon, alabaster, alabastos, alabastron, alabastrum, à la bonne heure, à la broche
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
How to use alabaster in a sentence
British Dictionary definitions for alabaster
alabaster
/ (ˈæləˌbɑːstə, -ˌbæstə) /
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
of or resembling alabaster
Derived forms of alabaster
alabastrine, adjectiveWord Origin for alabaster
C14: from Old French alabastre, from Latin alabaster, from Greek alabastros
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition
© William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins
Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012