nepheline

noun

neph·​e·​line ˈne-fə-ˌlēn How to pronounce nepheline (audio)
variants or less commonly nephelite
ˈne-fə-ˌlīt How to pronounce nepheline (audio)
: a hexagonal mineral that is a usually glassy crystalline silicate of sodium, potassium, and aluminum common in igneous rocks
nephelinic
ˌne-fə-ˈli-nik How to pronounce nepheline (audio)
adjective

Word History

Etymology

French néphéline, from Greek nephelē cloud — more at nebula

First Known Use

circa 1814, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of nepheline was circa 1814

Rhymes for nepheline

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Browse Nearby Words

nephel-
nepheline
nephelinite
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Cite this Entry

“Nepheline.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/nepheline. Accessed 27 Apr. 2025.

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