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toadstone

American

[tohd-stohn] / ˈtoʊdˌstoʊn /

noun

any of various stones or stonelike objects, formerly supposed to have been formed in the head or body of a toad, worn as jewels or amulets.

toadstone British

/ ˈtəʊdˌstəʊn /

noun

rare an amygdaloidal basalt occurring in the limestone regions of Derbyshire

"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

Etymology

Origin of toadstone

First recorded in 1550–60; toad + stone

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

This famous toadstone is simply one of the fossil teeth of various fishes, and is chiefly formed of phosphate of lime.

From Curiosities of Medical Experience by Millingen, J. G. (John Gideon)

At last he, with a low courtesy, put on her medical finger a pretty handsome golden ring, whereinto was right artificially enchased a precious toadstone of Beausse.

From Gargantua and Pantagruel, Illustrated, Book 3 by Motteux, Peter Anthony

Last of all he showed me a toadstone amulet set in silver, a charm to prevent and ward off the spells of fairies.

From The Heather-Moon by Williamson, A. M. (Alice Muriel)

"A toadstone, I suppose?" replied Sir Ronald, lightly.

From Heiress of Haddon by Doubleday, William E.

Popular names for them are "whinstone," "greenstone," "toadstone" and "trap."

From Encyclopaedia Britannica, 11th Edition, Volume 8, Slice 3 "Destructors" to "Diameter" by Various

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023