Agate

Quick meaning: Agate is a noun meaning (uncountable, US printing, dated) The size of type between pearl and nonpareil, standardized as 5+¹⁄₂-point.

Meaning

(uncountable, US printing, dated) The size of type between pearl and nonpareil, standardized as 5+¹⁄₂-point.

More Meanings

1. (countable, typography) One fourteenth of an inch.
2. (countable, obsolete) A diminutive person; so called in allusion to the small figures cut in agate for rings and seals.
3. (countable) A tool used by gold-wire drawers, bookbinders, etc.;—so called from the agate fixed in it for burnishing.
4. (countable) A marble made from agate.
5. (countable, uncountable, mineralogy) A 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 chalcedony, a variety of quartz, or a combination of the two.
6. (slang, usually in the plural) A testicle.
7. (obsolete) On the way; agoing.

Example Sentences

I'm fear'd you have some ill plans agate.

Go to it then hardily, and let us be agate.

Yes: living among the cohabations^([sic]) of Faust himself, among the litharge and agate and hyacinth and pearls.

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 her chair hung a rosary of agate beads.

Word Forms

• agates

Synonyms for agate

Depending on context, synonyms include ruby, aggie.

Related Words

Related dictionary entries include chalcedony, onyx, marble, shooter, aggat, argentine.

Related Dictionary Tools