释义 |
al·a·bas·ter I. \ˈaləˌbastə(r), -aas-, -ais-, -ȧs- also ˌ ̷ ̷ ̷ ̷ˈ ̷ ̷ ̷ ̷\ noun (-s) Etymology: Middle English alabastre, from Middle French, from Latin alabaster, alabastrum, from Greek alabastros, alabastron alabaster, vase made of alabaster 1. a. : a compact variety of fine-textured gypsum usually white and translucent but sometimes yellow, red, or gray that is carved into objects (as vases and mantel ornaments) b. : a hard compact variety of calcite or aragonite that is translucent and sometimes banded — called also Mexican onyx, onyx marble, oriental alabaster 2. : a pale yellowish pink to yellowish gray — called also tilleul buff, white jade II. adjective : of or resembling alabaster; specifically : having a nearly white color and a light-diffusing surface |