Obsidian: meaning, definitions and examples

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obsidian

 

[ ษ™bหˆsษชdiษ™n ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

geology material

Obsidian is a naturally occurring volcanic glass formed from rapidly cooling lava. It is characterized by its glassy luster and sharp edges, making it useful for tools and ornaments. Due to its smooth texture, obsidian has been historically used to create cutting tools and weapons. It can also take on various colors depending on impurities, which include green, brown, and black. Today, it is often used in jewelry and decorative items due to its aesthetic appeal.

Synonyms

natural glass, volcanic glass.

Examples of usage

  • Archaeologists discovered obsidian tools in ancient sites.
  • He admired the striking colors of the obsidian pendant.
  • Obsidian shards were used for making sharp knives.
  • The artist chose obsidian to create a unique sculpture.

Translations

Translations of the word "obsidian" in other languages:

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡น obsidiana

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ณ เค…เคฌเคธเคฟเคกเคฟเคฏเคจ

๐Ÿ‡ฉ๐Ÿ‡ช Obsidian

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ฉ obsidian

๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ะพะฑัะธะดั–ะฐะฝ

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡ฑ obsydian

๐Ÿ‡ฏ๐Ÿ‡ต ใ‚ชใƒ–ใ‚ทใƒ‡ใ‚ฃใ‚ขใƒณ

๐Ÿ‡ซ๐Ÿ‡ท obsidienne

๐Ÿ‡ช๐Ÿ‡ธ obsidiana

๐Ÿ‡น๐Ÿ‡ท obsidiyen

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ท ํ‘์š”์„

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ุฃูˆุจุณูŠุฏูŠุงู†

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ฟ obsidiรกn

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฐ obsidiรกn

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ณ ้ป‘ๆ›œ็Ÿณ

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฎ obsidian

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ธ obsidian

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ฟ ะพะฑัะธะดะธะฐะฝ

๐Ÿ‡ฌ๐Ÿ‡ช แƒแƒ‘แƒกแƒ˜แƒ“แƒ˜แƒแƒœแƒ˜

๐Ÿ‡ฆ๐Ÿ‡ฟ obsidian

๐Ÿ‡ฒ๐Ÿ‡ฝ obsidiana

Etymology

The word 'obsidian' originates from the Latin 'obsidianus', which is derived from the name of a Roman who was said to have discovered the material: Obsius. This individually named Roman may have discovered obsidian in Ethiopia, where it is commonly found. The term has been used since antiquity to describe this unique type of glass that forms during volcanic eruptions. The ancient civilizations, particularly the Aztecs and other Mesoamerican cultures, highly valued obsidian for its utility and beauty, crafting it into tools, weapons, and ceremonial objects. The use of obsidian continued through the Middle Ages into the Renaissance, where it appeared in artwork and adornments. Today, obsidian is still sought after both in archaeology and contemporary crafts and is often associated with mystical and healing properties in various cultures.

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #21,872, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.