Alabaster
/ˈæl.əˌbæs.tər/noun
A fine-grained white or lightly tinted mineral, especially used in carving and ornament; also used for objects made from it.
Did you know?In antiquity, alabaster was prized not just for sculpture but for perfume containers, because its smooth stone was associated with preserving precious oils and essences.
Etymological Timeline
Ancient Egyptian
Egyptian
ꜥlʿbʾst / ȝlbʾst (reconstructed)
“A stone vessel or material associated with perfume jars; the exact original form is uncertain.”
Ancient Greek
Greek
ἀλάβαστρος (alábastrós)
“A perfume flask or a vessel made of the stone used for such flasks.”
Latin
Latin
alabaster
“Alabaster; a fine stone used for vessels and carving.”
Old French
Old French
alabastre
“Alabaster.”
Middle English
English
alabastre
“Alabaster; the stone and carved objects made from it.”