pyrites

[ pahy-rahy-teez, puh-, pahy-rahyts ]

/ paɪˈraɪ tiz, pə-, ˈpaɪ raɪts /

noun, plural py·ri·tes. Mineralogy.

any of various other metallic sulfides, as of copper or tin.

Nearby words

pyriform, pyrimethamine, pyrimidine, pyriphlegethon, pyrite, pyrites, pyritohedron, pyro, pyro-, pyrobitumen, pyroborate

Origin of pyrites

1545–55; < Latin pyrītes (plural); see pyrite

Definition for pyrites (2 of 2)

pyrite

[ pahy-rahyt ]

/ ˈpaɪ raɪt /

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.

Also pyrites.

Origin of pyrite

1560–70; < Latin pyrītēs < Greek pyrī́tēs, noun use of adj.: of fire, so called because it produces sparks when struck. See pyr-, -ite¹

Also called iron pyrites.

Related forms

py·rit·ic

[pahy-rit-ik, puh-] /paɪˈrɪt ɪk, pə-/, py·rit·i·cal, py·ri·tous

[puh-rahy-tuh s, pahy-] /pəˈraɪ təs, paɪ-/, adjective

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019

Examples from the Web for pyrites

Nor do I consider that the fires in the mine Correction by Mr. Whitworth.originated in the decomposition of the pyrites.
A Report on Washington Territory|William Henry Ruffner
Besides, it is easier to obtain Vitriol from the Pyrites than from those other mineral substances.
Elements of the Theory and Practice of Chymistry, 5th ed.|Pierre Joseph Macquer
It consisted in the substitution of flint for pyrites, and a furrowed plate of steel in lieu of the wheel.
The Ornithology of Shakespeare|James Edmund Harting
The pyrites are plentiful and produce exportable quantities of sulfur and sulfur products.
Area Handbook for Bulgaria|Eugene K. Keefe, Violeta D. Baluyut, William Giloane, Anne K. Long, James M. Moore, and Neda A. Walpole

Sometimes also there is Alum in the vitriolic waters drawn off the Pyrites.
Elements of the Theory and Practice of Chymistry, 5th ed.|Pierre Joseph Macquer

British Dictionary definitions for pyrites (1 of 2)

pyrites

/ (paɪˈraɪtiːz, in combination ˈpaɪraɪts ) /

noun plural -tes

another name for pyrite

any of a number of other disulphides of metals, esp of copper and tin

British Dictionary definitions for pyrites (2 of 2)

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

pyritic (paɪˈrɪtɪk) or pyritous, adjective

Word 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

Science definitions for pyrites

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.