AGATE

agate

(noun) an impure form of quartz consisting of banded chalcedony; used as a gemstone and for making mortars and pestles

Source: WordNet® 3.1

Etymology 1

Noun

agate (countable and uncountable, plural agates)

(countable, uncountable, mineral) A semi-pellucid, uncrystallized variety of quartz, presenting various tints in the same specimen, with colors delicately arranged in stripes or bands, or blended in clouds.

(uncountable, US printing, dated) The size of type between pearl and nonpareil, standardized as 5-1/2-point.

(countable, typography) One fourteenth of an inch

(countable, obsolete) A diminutive person; so called in allusion to the small figures cut in agate for rings and seals.

(countable) A tool used by gold-wire drawers, bookbinders, etc.;—so called from the agate fixed in it for burnishing.

(countable) A marble made from agate.

(slang, usually, in the plural) A testicle.

Synonyms

• (type size): (UK) ruby

• (marble): aggie

Hyponyms

• (mineralogy): fortification agate, Scotch pebble; moss agate, clouded agate

Etymology 2

Adverb

agate (not comparable)

(obsolete) On the way; agoing.

Source: Wiktionary

A*gate", adv. Etym: [Pref. a- on + gate way.]

Definition: On the way; agoing; as, to be agate; to set the bells agate. [Obs.] Cotgrave.

Ag"ate, n. Etym: [F. agate, It. agata, L. achates, fr. Gr.

1. (Min.)

Definition: 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.

Note: The fortification agate, or Scotch pebble, the moss agate, the clouded agate, etc., are familiar varieties.

2. (Print.)

Definition: A kind of type, larger than pearl and smaller than nonpareil; in England called ruby.

Note: This line is printed in the type called agate.

3. A diminutive person; so called in allusion to the small figures cut in agate for rings and seals. [Obs.] Shak.

4. A tool used by gold-wire drawers, bookbinders, etc.; -- so called from the agate fixed in it for burnishing.

Source: Webster’s Unabridged Dictionary 1913 Edition