neph·e·line (n f  -l n , -l n) also neph·e·lite (-l t)n. A mineral of sodium-aluminum or potassium-aluminum silicate, occurring worldwide in igneous rocks and used in the manufacture of ceramics and enamels. [From Greek nephel , cloud (because its fragments become cloudy when placed in nitric acid); see nebh- in Indo-European roots.]neph e·linic (-lnk) adj. |
nepheline [ˈnɛfɪlɪn -ˌliːn], nephelite [ˈnɛfɪˌlaɪt]
n
(Earth Sciences / Minerals) a whitish mineral consisting of sodium potassium aluminium silicate in hexagonal crystalline form: used in the manufacture of glass and ceramics. Formula: (Na,K)(AlSi)2O4
[from French néphéline, from Greek nephelē cloud, so called because pieces of it become cloudy if dipped in nitric acid]
ThesaurusLegend: Synonyms Related Words Antonyms
| Noun | 1. | nepheline - a whitish mineral consisting of sodium aluminum silicate or potassium aluminum silicate in crystalline form; used in the manufacture of ceramics and enamels mineral - solid homogeneous inorganic substances occurring in nature having a definite chemical composition nephelinite - an igneous rock consisting of nepheline and pyroxene |
Want to thank TFD for its existence? Tell a friend about us, add a link to this page, add the site to iGoogle, or visit the webmaster's page for free fun content.
| ?Page tools | ||
|---|---|---|
|