onyx

noun

on·​yx ˈä-niks How to pronounce onyx (audio)
: a translucent chalcedony in parallel layers of different colors

Examples of onyx in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web Sardonyx is a combination of the minerals sard and onyx, which together form the reddish-brown or orange stone with bands of white or black. Olivia Munson, USA TODAY, 1 Aug. 2024 By Michelle Duncan Kevin Costner’s Houses: Inside the Portfolio of One of the World’s Highest-Paid Actors By Joyce Chen In this jewel box of a powder room, clad in belvedere quartzite, the show-stopping mirror, by Béatrice Serre, is made of titanium, crystal, opaline, onyx, marble, and brass. Hannah Martin, Architectural Digest, 31 July 2024 The ensuite bathroom is clad in pink onyx marble and includes a double sink and large soaking tub. Natalia Senanayake, Peoplemag, 19 July 2024 Daniel Petroni The lower level of the library includes an onyx bar and a lounge area. Ray Parisi, CNBC, 12 July 2024 See all Example Sentences for onyx 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'onyx.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

Middle English oniche, onyx, from Anglo-French & Latin; Anglo-French, from Latin onych-, onyx, from Greek, literally, claw, nail — more at nail

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of onyx was in the 14th century

Dictionary Entries Near onyx

Cite this Entry

“Onyx.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/onyx. Accessed 19 Aug. 2024.

Kids Definition

onyx

noun
on·​yx ˈän-iks How to pronounce onyx (audio)
: chalcedony in parallel layers of different color

More from Merriam-Webster on onyx

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