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apatite

noun
ap·​a·​tite | \ ˈa-pə-ˌtīt 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

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-ə-ˌtīt 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

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