feldspar
[ feld-spahr, fel- ]
/ ˈfɛldˌspɑr, ˈfɛl- /
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noun
any of a group of minerals, principally aluminosilicates of potassium, sodium, and calcium, characterized by two cleavages at nearly right angles: one of the most important constituents of igneous rocks.
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Let’s start with some etymology: What are the origins of the typographical word “bracket”?
First appeared around 1750, and is related to the French word “braguette” for the name of codpiece armor.
First appeared in 1610, based on the French word “baguette” for the long loaf of bread.
First appeared in 1555, and is related to the French word “raquette” for a netted bat.
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Origin of feldspar
Words nearby feldspar
feisty, felafel, Feldene, Feldenkrais method, feldsher, feldspar, feldspathic, feldspathoid, Felice, Felicia, felicific
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Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2021
Example sentences from the Web for feldspar
British Dictionary definitions for feldspar
feldspar
felspar
/ (ˈfɛldˌspɑː, ˈfɛlˌspɑː) /
noun
any of a group of hard rock-forming minerals consisting of aluminium silicates of potassium, sodium, calcium, or barium: the principal constituents of igneous rocks. The group includes orthoclase, microcline, and the plagioclase minerals
Derived forms of feldspar
feldspathic (fɛldˈspæθɪk, fɛlˈspæθ-), felspathic, feldspathose or felspathose, adjectiveWord Origin for feldspar
C18: from German feldspat (h), from feld field + spat (h) spar ³
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition
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Scientific definitions for feldspar
feldspar
[ fĕld′spär′, fĕl′- ]
Any of a group of abundant monoclinic or triclinic minerals having the general formula MAl(Al,Si)3O8, where M is either potassium (K), sodium (Na), or calcium (Ca) or less commonly barium (Ba), rubidium (Rb), strontium (Sr), or iron (Fe). Feldspars range from white, pink, or brown to grayish blue in color. They occur in igneous, sedimentary, and metamorphic rocks and make up more than 60 percent of the Earth's crust. When they decompose, feldspars form clay or the mineral kaolinite.
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