agate Meaning, Definition & Usage

  1. noun an impure form of quartz consisting of banded chalcedony; used as a gemstone and for making mortars and pestles

WordNet

A*gate" adverb
Etymology
Pref. a- on + gate way.
Definitions
  1. On the way; agoing; as, to be agate; to set the bells agate. Obs. Cotgrave.
Ag"ate noun
Etymology
F. agate, It. agata, L. achates, fr. Gr. .
Definitions
  1. (Min.) A semipellucid, uncrystallized variety of quartz, presenting various tints in the same specimen. Its colors are delicately arranged in stripes or bands, or blended in clouds. ✍ The fortification agate, or Scotch pebble, the moss agate, the clouded agate, etc., are familiar varieties.
  2. (Print.) A kind of type, larger than pearl and smaller than nonpareil; in England called ruby. ✍ This line is printed in the type called agate.
  3. A diminutive person; so called in allusion to the small figures cut in agate for rings and seals. Obs. Shak.
  4. A tool used by gold-wire drawers, bookbinders, etc.; -- so called from the agate fixed in it for burnishing.

Webster 1913