How Do You Spell STEATITE?

Pronunciation: [stˈiːta͡ɪt] (IPA)

Steatite is a naturally occurring mineral that is made up of magnesium silicate. The word is pronounced as 'stee-uh-tahyt' and is spelled phonetically as /ˈsti.əˌtaɪt/. The 'ea' in the middle of the word is pronounced as a short 'e' sound. The 'i' in the word is pronounced as a long 'i' sound as in kite, and there is a stress on the second syllable. Steatite is commonly used as an electrical insulator in various industrial applications.

STEATITE Meaning and Definition

  1. Steatite, also known as soapstone, is a naturally occurring metamorphic rock composed primarily of talc. It is a soft and dense stone that has been used for various purposes for thousands of years due to its unique properties.

    The term "steatite" is derived from the Greek word "steatos," meaning "fat," reflecting the stone's greasy feel. It has a high talc content, typically ranging from 50 to 90 percent, with the remainder consisting of other minerals such as chlorite, mica, and amphiboles.

    Steatite is characterized by its smooth, soapy texture and is often gray, white, or green in color, although it can occur in other hues as well. It has excellent heat retention and resistance to high temperatures, making it ideal for applications that involve heat, such as in ovens, fireplaces, and stoves.

    Due to its softness, steatite is relatively easy to carve and shape, making it a popular material for sculptures, figurines, and ornaments. In addition, it is non-porous and highly resistant to chemicals, which makes it suitable for laboratory applications and as a material for countertops and sinks.

    Historically, steatite has been used in the production of pottery, cookware, and storage containers, as it is chemically inert and can retain heat for extended periods. It is also frequently used as an electrical insulator in appliances and electrical components due to its high dielectric strength.

    Overall, steatite is a versatile and durable material with unique qualities that make it useful in a variety of industrial, artistic, and practical applications.

  2. Soapstone, talcum.

    A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.

  3. A soft magnesian or talcose mineral having a smooth, soapy, or greasy feel; soap-stone.

    Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.

Common Misspellings for STEATITE

Etymology of STEATITE

The word "steatite" comes from the Greek word "steatos", meaning "fat" or "tallow". In ancient times, it was believed that steatite had a waxy or greasy texture, which led to its association with "fat". Steatite is a type of soft, smooth, and easily workable metamorphic rock composed mainly of talc. It is also known as soapstone due to its soapy feel.

Similar spelling words for STEATITE

Plural form of STEATITE is STEATITES

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