Subscriber login


Forgot your password?

Library card login

Other

obsidian

Pronunciation: /əbˈsɪdɪən/
Definition of obsidian

noun

[mass noun]
  • a hard, dark, glass-like volcanic rock formed by the rapid solidification of lava without crystallization.

Origin:

mid 17th century: from Latin obsidianus, error for obsianus, from Obsius, the name (in Pliny) of the discoverer of a similar stone

obsidian in other Oxford dictionaries

Definition of obsidian in the US English dictionary

Nearby words

  |  Cite

More words in this category

Oxford Dictionaries Pro

For Oxford's best resources for writers, plus thesaurus, audio, and 1.9m examples.

GET PRO ►

Shop for an Oxford dictionary
Find the perfect Oxford dictionary for you in our online shop.
SHOP NOW ►

Word of the day

cur

/ kəː /
noun
an aggressive or unkempt dog …