BAUXITE

bauxite

(noun) a clay-like mineral; the chief ore of aluminum; composed of aluminum oxides and aluminum hydroxides; used as an abrasive and catalyst

Source: WordNet® 3.1

Etymology

Noun

bauxite (countable and uncountable, plural bauxites)

The principal ore of aluminium; a clay-like mineral, being a mixture of hydrated oxides and hydroxides.

Source: Wiktionary

Baux"ite, Beaux"ite,n. Etym: [F., fr. Baux or Beaux, near Arles.] (Min.)

Definition: A ferruginous hydrate of alumina. It is largely used in the preparation of aluminium and alumina, and for the lining of furnaces which are exposed to intense heat.

Source: Webster’s Unabridged Dictionary 1913 Edition