anhydrite

noun

an·​hy·​drite (ˌ)an-ˈhī-ˌdrīt How to pronounce anhydrite (audio)
: a mineral consisting of an anhydrous calcium sulfate that is usually massive and white or slightly colored

Examples of anhydrite in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web The top of a growing black smoker consists of calcium sulfate, or anhydrite. Robert Kunzig, Discover Magazine, 11 Nov. 2019 Below 136 degrees Fahrenheit, gypsum is the more stable compound, and anhydrite will effortlessly dissolve in water, creating the building blocks for gypsum. Robin George Andrews, National Geographic, 22 Oct. 2019 Gypsum’s crystal makeup can accommodate a lot of water, producing plenty of volume using a relatively small mass of anhydrite. Robin George Andrews, National Geographic, 22 Oct. 2019

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'anhydrite.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

German Anhydrit, from Greek anydros

First Known Use

1805, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of anhydrite was in 1805

Dictionary Entries Near anhydrite

Cite this Entry

“Anhydrite.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/anhydrite. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

anhydrite

noun
an·​hy·​drite (ˈ)an-ˈhī-ˌdrīt How to pronounce anhydrite (audio)
: a mineral consisting of calcium sulfate free from water

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