agate

Meanings

Noun

• A semi-pellucid, uncrystallized variety of quartz, presenting various tints in the same specimen, with colors delicately arranged in stripes or bands, or blended in clouds.
• The size of type between pearl and nonpareil, standardized as -point.
• One fourteenth of an inch
• A diminutive person; so called in allusion to the small figures cut in agate for rings and seals.
• A tool used by gold-wire drawers, bookbinders, etc.;—so called from the agate fixed in it for burnishing.
• A marble made from agate.
• A testicle.

Adverb

• On the way; agoing.

Related

Similar words

• ruby
• aggie

Narrower meaning words

• fortification agate, Scotch pebble; moss agate, clouded agate

Origin

• From Middle French agathe, from Latin achatēs, from Ancient Greek ἀχάτης.
• a- + gate