dictionary.pt

dictionary.pt

alabaster

nounmasculinegeneral useuncommon/ɐlɐˈbaʃtɾu/a·la·bas·tro

Definition

1

A soft, usually translucent variety of gypsum (hydrated calcium sulfate) or calcite (calcium carbonate), used since antiquity for carvings and decorative objects.

Usage examples

The delicate alabaster lamp glowed softly when lit from within.
Ancient Egyptians used alabaster for canopic jars and sarcophagi.

Common combinations

alabaster statuealabaster vasetranslucent alabaster