Kryptonite
/ˈkrɪp.tə.naɪt/noun
A fictional mineral from the Superman stories that weakens Kryptonians.
Did you know?The name was coined for Superman lore from Greek kryptos, meaning “hidden,” plus the mineral-style suffix -ite, giving it a pseudo-scientific, almost alchemical feel.
Etymological Timeline
1940s
English
kryptonite
“A fictional radioactive mineral in the Superman mythos that drains Superman’s power.”
Ancient Greek
Greek
kryptos
“Hidden, concealed, secret.”
Modern Scientific English
English
-ite
“A suffix used in mineral names and chemical terms.”
20th Century
English
Krypton
“The fictional planet of Superman, named from the same Greek root for “hidden”.”
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