zircon

Estimated CEFR level: C2 — Proficiency

Estimated from word frequency; not an official CEFR classification.

Definition

  1. noun a common mineral occurring in small crystals; chief source of zirconium; used as a refractory when opaque and as a gem when transparent

Etymology

From German Zirkon, possibly via French zircon, formed in the 1780s from Arabic زَرْقُون (zarqūn), borrowed from Middle Persian zlgwn' (/⁠zargōn⁠/). Doublet of jargoon.

In classic literature

Synonyms

zirconium silicate

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