onyx

[ on-iks ]

noun

1. Mineralogy. a variety of chalcedony having straight parallel bands of alternating colors. Compare Mexican onyx.
2. (not used technically) an unbanded chalcedony dyed for ornamental purposes.
3. black, especially a pure or jet black:

   The pelt of this animal can range from onyx to light brown, depending on the season.

4. Medicine/Medical. a nail of a finger or toe.

adjective

1. made of or set with banded chalcedony:

   He wore the onyx cufflinks she had given him for his birthday.

2. black, especially jet black:

   She was a vision in black, from her onyx hair to her shiny boots.

onyx

/ ˈɒnɪks /

noun

1. a variety of chalcedony with alternating black and white parallel bands, used as a gemstone. Formula: SiO 2
2. a compact variety of calcite used as an ornamental stone; onyx marble. Formula: CaCO 3

onyx

/ ŏn′ĭks /

1. A type of chalcedony that occurs in straight and parallel bands of different colors, often black and white.

Word History and Origins

Origin of onyx¹

First recorded in 1250–1300; Middle English onix, from Latin onyx, from Greek ónyx “nail, claw, veined gem”; nail ( def ), unguis ( def )

Word History and Origins

Origin of onyx¹

C13: from Latin from Greek: fingernail (so called from its veined appearance)

Example Sentences

The former NFL star announced Sunday that his daughter Tanita had given birth to her first child, a son named Onyx.

From Los Angeles Times

Congratulations to his daughter, Tanita, who recently welcomed her first child, a baby boy named Onyx.

From Los Angeles Times

“It is amazing. My daughter Tanita had a little baby boy Onyx on Sunday morning, 2:30 a.m., and I am so excited. I’m so happy and, yeah, great addition to the family,” Strahan said Tuesday.

From Los Angeles Times

Like many of life’s existential moments, this one brought reflection, and ultimately birthed “How to Die Alone,” her new series now streaming on Hulu that’s now part of her overall deal with ABC Signature, which produced the comedy series for Onyx Collective.

From Los Angeles Times

They say the group - known by the names Andariel and Onyx Sleet - is targeting defence, aerospace, nuclear and engineering entities to obtain classified information, with the aim of advancing Pyongyang’s military and nuclear programs and ambitions.

From BBC