pyrites

[ pahy-rahy-teez, puh-, pahy-rahyts ]

noun

, Mineralogy.

, plural py·ri·tes.

1. pyrite.
2. marcasite.
3. any of various other metallic sulfides, as of copper or tin.

pyrites

/ paɪˈraɪtiːz; ˈpaɪraɪts /

noun

1. another name for pyrite
2. any of a number of other disulphides of metals, esp of copper and tin

Word History and Origins

Origin of pyrites¹

1545–55; < Latin pyrītes (plural); pyrite

Example Sentences

The H2S reacted with iron in the basalt to make pyrites, so if exhaust gas were sequestered routinely, scrubbing might not be needed.

From Economist

Some of the others brought glistening stones, and among them, apparently pyrites, which very commonly accompanies gold, but of the precious metal itself Raleigh could hardly boast a speck in truth.

From Project Gutenberg

The ore being now carefully examined proved worthless pyrites; and the Arctic gold mines seem to have proved a “fizzle” as great as any of the worst which have succeeded them.

From Project Gutenberg

A variety of shale or clay slate, containing iron pyrites, the decomposition of which leads to the formation of alum, which often effloresces on the rock.

From Project Gutenberg

The rock near here is greenstone, in which are many veins of pyrites.

From Project Gutenberg