Zeolite

Part of speech: noun

Definitions

1. A crystalline aluminosilicate mineral with a porous structure that can absorb water and other molecules, commonly used in filtration and catalysis
2. An aluminosilicate mineral characterized by a uniquely porous composition that allows for the absorption of various substances, frequently utilized in environmental and industrial applications
3. This mineral is composed of alumina and silica in a crystalline form, featuring significant porosity that enables it to capture molecules, commonly applied in chemical processes

Etymology: Zeolites are named for a striking physical behaviour: when heated, many of these minerals bubble and seethe as they release the water trapped in their structure. The name comes from the Ancient Greek verb "zéō," meaning "to boil" or "to bubble," combined with the suffix "-lite," from "lithos," meaning "stone." The result, "zeolithos," means roughly "boiling stone." The word passed into modern scientific vocabulary through New Latin "zeolites," and from there into Swedish as "zeolit," before reaching English. Its form reflects the mineralogists' habit of naming rocks with Greek roots, much as "-lite" appears in many other mineral names.