zeolite in British English
(ˈziːəˌlaɪt)
noun
1.
any of a large group of glassy secondary minerals consisting of hydrated aluminium silicates of calcium, sodium, or potassium: formed in cavities in lava flows and plutonic rocks
2.
any of a class of similar synthetic materials used in ion exchange and as selective absorbents
molecular sieve Derived forms
zeolitic (ˌziːəˈlɪtɪk) adjective
Word origin
c18: zeo-, from Greek zein to boil + -lite; from the swelling up that occurs under the blowpipezeolite in American English
(ˈziəˌlaɪt)
noun
1.
any of a large group of natural hydrous aluminum silicates of sodium, calcium, potassium, barium, etc., chiefly found in cavities in igneous rocks and characterized by a ready loss or gain of water of hydration: many are capable of ion exchange with solutions
2.
a similar natural or synthetic silicate, used for softening water
Derived forms
zeolitic (ˌzeoˈlitic) (ˌziəˈlɪtɪk) adjective
Word origin
Swed zeolit < Gr zein, to boil (see yeast): from its swelling up when heatedImage ofzeolite
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