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Webster 1913 Edition


Pyrite

Pyr′ite

,
Noun.
;
pl.
Pyrites
(#)
.
[Cf. F.
pyrite
. See
Pyrites
.]
(Min.)
A common mineral of a pale brass-yellow color and brilliant metallic luster, crystallizing in the isometric system; iron pyrites; iron disulphide.
Hence sable coal his massy couch extends,
And stars of gold the sparkling
pyrite
blends.
E. Darwin.

Webster 1828 Edition


Pyrite

PYRITE

,
Noun.
plu.
pyrites. [Gr., fire.] Fire-stone; a genus of inflammable substances composed of sulphur and iron or other metal; a sulphuret of iron or other metal.
Hence sable coal his massy couch extends, and stars of gold the sparkling pyrite blends.
[I have anglicized this word, according to Darwin and the French mineralogists; making pyrites a regular plural.]