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apatite

noun
ap·​a·​tite | \ ˈa-pÉ™-ËŒtÄ«t How to pronounce apatite (audio) \

Definition of apatite

: any of a group of calcium phosphate minerals occurring in various colors as hexagonal crystals, as granular masses, or in fine-grained masses as the chief constituent of phosphate rock and of bones and teeth especially : calcium phosphate fluoride

Examples of apatite in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

 When uranium decays to lead, a natural process that happens at a steady rate, the split leaves a tiny track in the apatite that is visible under a microscope. — Lisa Grossman, WIRED, "Glaciers Help Mountains Grow," 15 Sep. 2010

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'apatite.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

First Known Use of apatite

1794, in the meaning defined above

History and Etymology for apatite

German Apatit, from Greek apatē deceit

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More Definitions for apatite

apatite

noun
ap·​a·​tite | \ ˈap-É™-ËŒtÄ«t How to pronounce apatite (audio) \

Medical Definition of apatite

: any of a group of calcium phosphate minerals occurring variously as hexagonal crystals, as granular masses, or in fine-grained masses as the chief constituent of bones and teeth and of phosphate rock especially : calcium phosphate fluoride Ca5F(PO4)3

More from Merriam-Webster on apatite

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about apatite

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