Definify.com
Webster 1913 Edition
Agate
A-gate′
,adv.
[Pref.
a-
on + gate
way.] On the way; agoing;
as, to be
agate
; to set the bells agate
. [Obs.]
Cotgrave.
Ag′ate
,Noun.
[F.
agate
, It. agata
, L. achates
, fr. Gr. [GREEK].] 1.
(Min.)
A semipellucid, uncrystallized variety of quartz, presenting various tints in the same specimen. Its colors are delicately arranged in stripes or bands, or blended in clouds.
☞ The fortification agate, or Scotch pebble, the moss agate, the clouded agate, etc., are familiar varieties.
2.
(Print.)
A kind of type, larger than pearl and smaller than nonpareil; in England called ruby.
☞ This line is printed in the type called agate.
3.
A diminutive person; so called in allusion to the small figures cut in agate for rings and seals.
[Obs.]
Shak.
4.
A tool used by gold-wire drawers, bookbinders, etc.; – so called from the agate fixed in it for burnishing.
Webster 1828 Edition
Agate
AGA'TE
,adv.
Definition 2024
Agate
agate
agate
See also: Agate
English
Pronunciation
- (US) IPA(key): /ˈæɡət/
Noun
agate (countable and uncountable, plural agates)
- (countable, uncountable, mineralogy) 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.
- (uncountable, US printing, dated) The size of type between pearl and nonpareil, standardized as 5½-point.
- (countable, obsolete) A diminutive person; so called in allusion to the small figures cut in agate for rings and seals.
- (countable) A tool used by gold-wire drawers, bookbinders, etc.;—so called from the agate fixed in it for burnishing.
- (slang, chiefly in the plural) A testicle.
Synonyms
- (type size): (UK) ruby
Hyponyms
- (mineralogy): fortification agate, Scotch pebble; moss agate, clouded agate
Derived terms
- moss agate
- agate line
- agateware
Related terms
Translations
mineral
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Etymology 2
Pronunciation
- (US) IPA(key): /ʌˈɡat/
Adverb
agate (not comparable)
- (obsolete) On the way; agoing.
- to be agate; to set the bells agate
- (Can we find and add a quotation of Cotgrave to this entry?)