Tektite
/ˈtɛk.taɪt/noun
A small, glassy object formed from terrestrial debris melted and ejected by a meteorite impact.
Did you know?The word was coined in modern scientific Greek from Greek *tektos* (“molten” or “melted”), reflecting the idea that these stones were forged by extreme heat, not magic.
Etymological Timeline
Modern Scientific Coinage
Greek
tektites
“A name created for impact glass, from a Greek root meaning 'melted' or 'molten'.”
Ancient Greek
Greek
tektos
“Melted, fused, or wrought by heat.”
Ancient Greek
Greek
tekton
“A builder, carpenter, or craftsman.”
Proto-Indo-European
PIE
*teks-
“To make, to weave, to fabricate, or to construct.”
Modern English
English
tektite
“A naturally occurring glass formed by meteorite impact.”
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