Lexic.us

Definition of Opal

1. Noun. A translucent mineral consisting of hydrated silica of variable color; some varieties are used as gemstones.

Definition of Opal

1. n. A mineral consisting, like quartz, of silica, but inferior to quartz in hardness and specific gravity.

Definition of Opal

1. Proper noun. (English female given name) from the precious stone, invented in the nineteenth century. ¹

2. Proper noun. (Australia) A type of petrol made by British Petroleum designed to be unable to be used for petrol sniffing.[ BP article on Opal].(defdate Developed 2005.) ¹

3. Noun. (minerology) A mineral consisting, like quartz, of silica, but inferior to quartz in hardness and specific gravity, of the chemical formula SiO₂'''·'''nH₂O. ¹

4. Noun. (biology) , (genetics), (biochemistry) A colloquial name used in molecular biology referring to a particular stop codon sequence, "UGA." ¹

¹ Source: wiktionary.com

Definition of Opal

1. a mineral [n -S]

Medical Definition of Opal

1. A mineral consisting, like quartz, of silica, but inferior to quartz in hardness and specific gravity. The precious opal presents a peculiar play of colours of delicate tints, and is highly esteemed as a gem. One kind, with a varied play of colour in a reddish ground, is called the harlequin opal. The fire opal has colours like the red and yellow of flame. Common opal has a milky appearance. Menilite is a brown impure variety, occurring in concretions at Menilmontant, near Paris. Other varieties are cacholong, girasol, hyalite, and geyserite. Origin: L. Opalus: cf. Gr, Skr. Upala a rock, stone, precious stone: cf. F. Opale. Source: Websters Dictionary (01 Mar 1998)

Lexicographical Neighbors of Opal

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