a blackish mineral that is a type of uraninite and occurs in veins, frequently associated with silver: the principal source of uranium and radium. Formula: UO2
Word origin
C18: partial translation of German Pechblende, from Pechpitch2 (from its black colour) + blende
pitchblende in American English
(ˈpɪtʃˌblɛnd)
noun
a brown to black, radioactive, massive form of uraninite: pitchblende is the chief ore of uranium and radium
Word origin
calque of Ger pechblende < pech (< L pix), UNRESOLVED CROSS REF + blende, blende