Muscovite

[ muhs-kuh-vahyt ]

noun

1. a native or inhabitant of Moscow.
2. a native or inhabitant of the Grand Duchy of Muscovy.
3. Also called white mica. (lowercase) Mineralogy. common light-colored mica, essentially KAl 3 Si 3 O 1 0 (OH) 2 , used as an electrical insulator.
4. Archaic. a Russian.

adjective

1. of, relating to, or characteristic of Moscow, Muscovy, or the Muscovites.

muscovite

¹

/ ˈmʌskəˌvaɪt /

noun

1. See mica
   a pale brown, or green, or colourless mineral of the mica group, found in plutonic rocks such as granite and in sedimentary rocks. It is used in the manufacture of lubricants, insulators, paints, and Christmas "snow". Composition: potassium aluminium silicate. Formula: KAl 2 (AlSi 3 )O 10 (OH) 2 . Crystal structure: monoclinic See also mica

Muscovite

²

/ ˈmʌskəˌvaɪt /

noun

1. a native or inhabitant of Moscow

adjective

1. See Russian
   an archaic word for Russian

muscovite

/ mŭs′kə-vīt′ /

1. A usually colorless to yellow or pale-gray mica. Muscovite is a monoclinic mineral and is found in igneous rocks, such as granites and pegmatites, metamorphic rocks, such as schists and gneisses, and in many sedimentary rocks. Chemical formula: KAl 2 (AlSi 3 )O 10 (OH) 2 .

Word History and Origins

Origin of Muscovite¹

First recorded in 1545–55; Muscov(y) + -ite ¹

Word History and Origins

Origin of Muscovite¹

C19: from the phrase Muscovy glass, an early name for mica

Example Sentences

As such, the atamans and leaders were selected from their strata, while the poorer folks still loathed the Tsarist laws and pushed further inland to escape from the Muscovite influence.

From Realm of History

A year ago, she was dating a Muscovite and considering moving there to advance her career as a fashion designer.

From The Daily Beast

For a young Muscovite girl, for example, with whom you schoolkids have been exchanging letters of friendship.

From The Daily Beast

This is the place where the Muscovite criminals are banished to, if they are not put to death.

From Project Gutenberg

In general the mandates of princes and the lessons of priests were received by the Muscovite with profound reverence.

From Project Gutenberg

As he doffed his Muscovite cap, locks of thick curly hair fell over his broad, massive forehead.

From Project Gutenberg

Me I read them to you some day with a tremble of the voice and then you will surely fall in love with a Muscovite.

From Project Gutenberg

He did not love this imperious cavalier; he was a Courtlander and holding a Muscovite's horse.

From Project Gutenberg