vitreous

Estimated CEFR level: C2 — Proficiency

Estimated from word frequency; not an official CEFR classification.

Definition

  1. adjective of or relating to or constituting the vitreous humor of the eye
  2. adjective relating to or resembling or derived from or containing glass
  3. adjective (of ceramics) having the surface made shiny and nonporous by fusing a vitreous solution to it

Etymology

From Middle French vitreux, from Latin vitreus (“glassy, transparent”), from vitrum (“glass”). The terms vitreous (positive) and resinous (negative) electricity were coined in 1733 by Charles François de Cisternay du Fay, who studied the different behaviour of glass and resin when rubbed with silk and fur, respectively.

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