This shows grade level based on the word's complexity.
pyrite
[ pahy-rahyt ]
/ ˈpaɪ raɪt /
See the most commonly confused word associated with chalcopyrite
Save This Word!
This shows grade level based on the word's complexity.
noun
a very common brass-yellow mineral, iron disulfide, FeS2, with a metallic luster, burned to sulfur dioxide in the manufacture of sulfuric acid: chemically similar to marcasite, but crystallizing in the isometric system.
COMPARE MEANINGS
Click for a side-by-side comparison of meanings. Use the word comparison feature to learn the differences between similar and commonly confused words.
QUIZ
WILL YOU SAIL OR STUMBLE ON THESE GRAMMAR QUESTIONS?
Smoothly step over to these common grammar mistakes that trip many people up. Good luck!
Question 1 of 7
Fill in the blank: I can’t figure out _____ gave me this gift.
Also pyrites.
Also called iron pyrites.
Origin of pyrite
OTHER WORDS FROM pyrite
py·rit·ic [pahy-rit-ik, puh-], /paɪˈrɪt ɪk, pə-/, py·rit·i·cal, py·ri·tous [puh-rahy-tuhs, pahy-], /pəˈraɪ təs, paɪ-/, adjectiveWords nearby pyrite
pyridoxamine, pyridoxine, pyriform, pyrimethamine, pyrimidine, pyrite, pyrites, pyritohedron, pyro, pyrobitumen, pyroborate
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
How to use pyrite in a sentence
British Dictionary definitions for pyrite
pyrite
/ (ˈpaɪraɪt) /
noun
a yellow mineral, found in igneous and metamorphic rocks and in veins. It is a source of sulphur and is used in the manufacture of sulphuric acid. Composition: iron sulphide. Formula: FeS 2 . Crystal structure: cubicAlso called: iron pyrites, pyrites Nontechnical name: fool's gold
Derived forms of pyrite
pyritic (paɪˈrɪtɪk) or pyritous, adjectiveWord Origin for pyrite
C16: from Latin pyrites flint, from Greek puritēs (lithos) fire (stone), that is, capable of withstanding or striking fire, from pur fire
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
Scientific definitions for pyrite
pyrite
[ pī′rīt′ ]
A silver to yellow, metallic, cubic mineral. Pyrite often crystallizes in cubes or octahedrons but also occurs as shapeless masses of grains. It occurs in most types of rocks, and is used as a source of iron and in making sulfur dioxide. It is a polymorph of marcasite. Because of its shiny look and often yellow color, it is sometimes mistaken for gold and for this reason is also called fool's gold. Chemical formula: FeS2.
The American Heritage® Science Dictionary
Copyright © 2011. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.