/ˈæɡ.ɪt/, /ˈæɡ.ət/
OriginFrom Middle French agathe, from Latin achatēs, from Ancient Greek ἀχάτης (akhátēs, “agate”).
- countable, uncountableA semitransparent, uncrystallized silicate mineral and semiprecious stone, presenting various tints in the same specimen, with colors delicately arranged and often curved in parallel alternating dark and light stripes or bands, or blended in clouds; various authorities call it a variety of chalcedon…
“The ends of the veil, drawn over her head, were embroidered with silver; she had long gold ear-rings; to a rich and large gold chain was suspended a cross set with precious stones; and over the arm of”
“Yes: living among the cohabations^([sic]) of Faust himself, among the litharge and agate and hyacinth and pearls.”
- US, dated, uncountableThe size of type between pearl and nonpareil, standardized as 5+¹⁄₂-point.
- countableOne fourteenth of an inch.
- countable, obsoleteA diminutive person; so called in allusion to the small figures cut in agate for rings and seals.
- countableA tool used by gold-wire drawers, bookbinders, etc.;—so called from the agate fixed in it for burnishing.
- countableA marble made from agate.
- countable, plural-normally, slang, uncountableA testicle.
- not-comparable, obsoleteOn the way; agoing.
“Go to it then hardily, and let us be agate.”
“I'm fear'd you have some ill plans agate.”
Formsagates(plural)