Word Direct Answers

What does "agate" mean?

Agate: (Min.) 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.

Additional senses

  1. 2.(Print.) A kind of type, larger than pearl and smaller than nonpareil; in England called ruby. Note: This line is printed in the type called agate.
  2. 3.A diminutive person; so called in allusion to the small figures cut in agate for rings and seals. [Obs.] Shak.
  3. 4.A tool used by gold-wire drawers, bookbinders, etc.; -- so called from the agate fixed in it for burnishing.

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