Muscovite
/ˈmʌskəˌvaɪt/noun
A native or inhabitant of Moscow; also, a transparent mineral of the mica group.
Did you know?The mineral muscovite was named because early European traders associated this shiny mica with Muscovy (old Moscow), where it was imported from eastern trade routes.
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Slavic / Early East Slavic
Slavic
“A place-name connected to Moscow (ultimately the city name that later gave rise to the demonym and mineral name).”
Late Medieval Latin
Latin
Moscovita
“A person from Moscow; also used in learned Latin forms for things associated with Muscovy.”
16th Century
French
muscovite
“A Muscovite person or thing, especially one associated with Muscovy (Russia).”
16th Century
English
muscovite
“A native or inhabitant of Moscow; later also the mineral name for a kind of mica.”
Modern English
English
muscovite
“A person from Moscow or a shiny sheet mica mineral used in heat-resistant applications.”