Where does “pyrite” come from?
Pyrite comes from Old French pyrite, from Latin pyrites, from Ancient Greek πυρίτης λίθος meaning "fire stone," derived from Ancient Greek πῦρ meaning "fire," ultimately from Proto-Indo-European péh₂wr̥.
pyrite (English): The common mineral iron disulfide (FeS2), of a pale brass-yellow color and brilliant metallic luster, crystallizing in the isometric system
Definitions
- The common mineral iron disulfide (FeS2), of a pale brass-yellow color and brilliant metallic luster, crystallizing in the isometric system
Ancestry of “pyrite”, step by step
| Step | Language | Word | Meaning |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Old French | pyrite | — |
| 2 | Latin | pȳritēs | pyrite |
| 3 | Ancient Greek | πῡρίτης λίθος | stone of fire, flint |
| 4 | Ancient Greek | πῦρ | a fire; lightning; a fever |
| 5 | Proto-Hellenic | *pāwər | — |