montmorillonite

[ mont-muh-ril-uh-nahyt ]

noun

1. any of a group of clay minerals characterized by the ability to expand when they absorb large quantities of water.

montmorillonite

/ ˌmɒntməˈrɪləˌnaɪt /

noun

1. a clay mineral consisting of hydrated aluminium silicate: an important component of bentonite

Other Words From

• mont·mo·ril·lon·it·ic [mont-m, uh, -ril-, uh, -, nit, -ik], adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of montmorillonite¹

1850–55; named after Montmorillon, France, where it was found; -ite ¹

Word History and Origins

Origin of montmorillonite¹

C19: named after Montmorillon , French town where it was first found, + -ite ¹