1
: a mineral consisting of silicon dioxide occurring in colorless and transparent or colored hexagonal crystals or in crystalline masses
2
: a quartz crystal that when placed in an electric field oscillates at a constant frequency and is used to control devices which require precise regulation
a quartz watch

Examples of quartz 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.
The kitchen sports two islands—one steel, one quartz—and a walnut breakfast nook for casual meals. Tori Latham, Robb Report, 9 Apr. 2025 The countertops are quartz and the cabinets are maple, with a stainless steel range and a dedicated beverage refrigerator. Angela Serratore, New York Times, 7 Apr. 2025 Rather, consider stones like marble, quartz, or soapstone for your next upgrade. Hallie Milstein, Southern Living, 5 Apr. 2025 Typically made from materials like jade, rose quartz, and stainless steel, gua shas promote lymphatic drainage and aid circulation, among other benefits. Annie Blackman, Allure, 3 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for quartz

Word History

Etymology

German Quarz

First Known Use

circa 1631, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of quartz was circa 1631

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Cite this Entry

“Quartz.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/quartz. Accessed 25 Apr. 2025.

Kids Definition

: a common mineral consisting of silicon dioxide that is often found in the form of colorless transparent crystals but is sometimes (as in amethysts, agates, and jaspers) brightly colored

Medical Definition

: a mineral SiO2 consisting of a silica that occurs in colorless and transparent or colored hexagonal crystals and also in crystalline masses

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