English

Noun

Pronunciation

IPA: WEAE /ˈæg.et/

Etymology

French agate, Italian agata, Latin achates , fr. Gr. ?.

Meanings

1. (Mineralogy) 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.

   Note: The fortification agate, or Scotch pebble, the moss agate, the clouded agate, etc., are familiar varieties.

2. (Printing) A kind of type, larger than pearl and smaller than nonpareil; in England called ruby.
3. (Obsolete) A diminutive person; so called in allusion to the small figures cut in agate for rings and seals.
4. A tool used by gold-wire drawers, bookbinders, etc.;—so called from the agate fixed in it for burnishing.

Translations

• German: Achat m (1)

Adverb

Etymology

Prefix a- on + gate way.

Pronunciation

IPA: WEAE /ʌˈgat/

Meanings

1. (Obsolete) On the way; agoing; as, to be agate; to set the bells agate.