margarite: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Extremely rare / Archaic / TechnicalPoetic, Archaic, Literary, Technical (mineralogy)
Quick answer
What does “margarite” mean?
An archaic, poetic, or historical name for the daisy flower (specifically Bellis perennis) or, more broadly, for a pearl.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
An archaic, poetic, or historical name for the daisy flower (specifically Bellis perennis) or, more broadly, for a pearl.
A term used in historical or poetic contexts to refer to something beautiful, pure, or modest, often personified. Also a mineralogical term for a type of calcium-rich silicate mineral in the mica group (also known as 'brittle mica').
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in modern usage as the word is essentially obsolete in both varieties. Any usage would be in the same specialized/archaic registers.
Connotations
Conveys a sense of antiquity, romanticism, or specialized knowledge.
Frequency
Equally rare and archaic in both BrE and AmE.
Grammar
How to Use “margarite” in a Sentence
The margarite (subject) + verb (glimmered, shone, grew)He gave her a margarite (direct object)A crown set with margarites (object of preposition)Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “margarite” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- The margarite-adorned manuscript was exquisite.
American English
- The margarite-like sheen of the mineral was noted.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Virtually never used.
Academic
Rare; possibly in historical literary analysis or poetry studies.
Everyday
Not used.
Technical
Used in mineralogy and geology to refer to the calcium aluminium silicate mineral.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “margarite”
- Using 'margarite' in modern speech to mean 'daisy' sounds unnatural and archaic. Confusing it with 'margarita' (the drink or the name).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is an archaic and poetic term. The common word is 'daisy'.
Yes, historically it could, derived from the same Greek root ('margaritēs') meaning pearl. However, 'pearl' is the universal modern term.
The name Margaret derives from the same Greek word for pearl. 'Margarite' is a related linguistic form.
Yes, 'margarine' is ironically derived from the same root (Greek for pearl), due to the pearly luster of margaric acid, a component of the original substance.
An archaic, poetic, or historical name for the daisy flower (specifically Bellis perennis) or, more broadly, for a pearl.
Margarite is usually poetic, archaic, literary, technical (mineralogy) in register.
Margarite: in British English it is pronounced /ˈmɑːɡərʌɪt/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈmɑːrɡəˌraɪt/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “None in common usage. Historical/poetic: 'meadow of margarites' (field of daisies).”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: MARGARet (a name) wore a necklace of MARGARITE pearls and a crown of MARGARITE daisies.
Conceptual Metaphor
PURITY/INNOCENCE IS A MARGARITE (daisy); PRECIOUS VALUE IS A MARGARITE (pearl).
Practice
Quiz
In which context is the word 'margarite' most likely to be found in modern English?