steatite

noun

ste·​a·​tite ˈstē-ə-ˌtīt How to pronounce steatite (audio)
1
: a massive talc having a grayish-green or brown color : soapstone
2
: an electrically insulating porcelain composed largely of steatite
steatitic adjective

Examples of steatite in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
In addition to steatite, sedimentary stones and basalt were also carved for pipes. Matthew Wills, JSTOR Daily, 14 June 2025

Word History

Etymology

Latin steatitis, a precious stone, from Greek, from steat-, stear

First Known Use

1794, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of steatite was in 1794

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Steatite.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/steatite. Accessed 24 Jun. 2025.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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