onyx

American  

[on-iks] / ˈɒn ɪks /

noun

1. Mineralogy. a variety of chalcedony having straight parallel bands of alternating colors.

2. (not used technically) an unbanded chalcedony dyed for ornamental purposes.

3. black, especially a pure or jet black.

   The pelt of this animal can range from onyx to light brown, depending on the season.

4. Medicine/Medical. a nail of a finger or toe.

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adjective

1. made of or set with banded chalcedony.

   He wore the onyx cufflinks she had given him for his birthday.

2. black, especially jet black.

   She was a vision in black, from her onyx hair to her shiny boots.

onyx British  

/ ˈɒnɪks /

noun

1. a variety of chalcedony with alternating black and white parallel bands, used as a gemstone. Formula: SiO 2

2. a compact variety of calcite used as an ornamental stone; onyx marble. Formula: CaCO 3

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onyx Scientific  

/ ŏn′ĭks /

1. A type of chalcedony that occurs in straight and parallel bands of different colors, often black and white.

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Usage

What does onyx mean? Onyx is a gemstone that’s especially known for its opaque, all-black variety.Other varieties are black with with different-colored layers, including white.Onyx is commonly used in jewelry. Historically, onyx was popular as a material for cameos—engraved gems. Sometimes, it is dyed or artificially colored.Onyx is one of the birthstones for the month of July. It is associated with the zodiac sign Leo.The word onyx is also used to refer to a very deep black color (jet-black) or describe things that are that color.Example: In this ring, the sparkling diamonds are a perfect contrast to the jet-black onyx in the center.

Etymology

Origin of onyx

First recorded in 1250–1300; Middle English onix, from Latin onyx, from Greek ónyx “nail, claw, veined gem”; nail ( def. ), unguis ( def. )

Example Sentences

Asase turns to the other figure—a tall, slender individual with skin so dark and rich that it looks like polished onyx.

From Literature

Many of the lavish amenities sit on the terrace level of the home, which holds a backlit onyx bar and a full second kitchen.

From MarketWatch

Arsenal charge more than £30,000-a-year to join the Diamond Club with heated seats, dining at an exclusive restaurant and an onyx bar for drinks.

From BBC

For a home in Toronto, where she designed a shower for two people, she used book-matched slabs of onyx on the walls, “because they really wanted a wow factor.”

From Seattle Times

Sunlight glints off something up ahead: tall black onyx columns with a gold gate between them.

From Literature