agate(n = noun.substance) - an impure form of quartz consisting of banded chalcedony; used as a gemstone and for making mortars and pestles;
is a kind of calcedony, chalcedony
has particulars: moss agate
On the way; agoing; as, to be agate; to set the bells agate. Cotgrave. [1913 Webster]
1. A semipellucid, uncrystallized variety of quartz, presenting various tints in the same specimen. Its colors are delicately arranged in stripes or bands, or blended in clouds. [1913 Webster]
" The fortification agate, or Scotch pebble, the moss agate, the clouded agate, etc., are familiar varieties." [1913 Webster]
2. A kind of type, larger than pearl and smaller than nonpareil; in England called ruby. [1913 Webster]
" This line is printed in the type called agate." [1913 Webster]
3. A diminutive person; so called in allusion to the small figures cut in agate for rings and seals. Shak. [1913 Webster]
4. A tool used by gold-wire drawers, bookbinders, etc.; -- so called from the agate fixed in it for burnishing. [1913 Webster]
agate, n.
1 any of several varieties of hard usu. streaked chalcedony.
2 a coloured toy marble resembling this.
Etymology:
F agate, -the, f. L achates f. Gk akhates
N jewel, jewelry, jewellery, bijoutry, bijou, bijouterie, trinket, fine jewelry, costume jewelry, junk jewelry, gem, gemstone, precious stone, necklace, bracelet, anklet, earring, locket, pendant, charm bracelet, ring, pinky ring, carcanet, chain, chatelaine, broach, pin, lapel pin, torque, diamond, brilliant, rock, beryl, emerald, chalcedony, agate, heliotrope, girasol, girasole, onyx, plasma, sard, sardonyx, garnet, lapis lazuli, opal, peridot, tourmaline, chrysolite, sapphire, ruby, synthetic ruby, spinel, spinelle, balais, oriental, oriental topaz, turquois, turquoise, zircon, cubic zirconia, jacinth, hyacinth, carbuncle, amethyst, alexandrite, cat's eye, bloodstone, hematite, jasper, moonstone, sunstone, pearl, cultured pearl, fresh-water pearl, mother of pearl, coral, jeweler, gemologist, minerologist, lapidary, lapidarian, gemology, gemmology, minerology, bejeweled, diamond, (gemstones), gemological.