philosopher's wool

See also: philosophers' wool

English
WOTD – 31 July 2023

Etymology
Philosopher’s wool or zinc oxide in the form of a white flocculent powder.

From philosopher (“(obsolete) an alchemist”) +‎ -’s +‎ wool.[1]

Pronunciation
  • (Received Pronunciation) IPA(key): /fɪˌlɒsəfəz ˈwʊl/
  • (General American) IPA(key): /fəˌlɑs(ə)fəɹz ˈwʊl/
  • Audio (GA)(file)
  • Rhymes: -ʊl
  • Hyphenation: phil‧o‧soph‧er’s wool

Noun

philosopher's wool (uncountable)

  1. (alchemy, archaic) Zinc oxide (chemical formula ZnO) as a white flocculent powder.
    Synonym: (obsolete) philosophical wool

Alternative forms

Hypernyms

Translations

See also

References
  1. “philosophers’ wool, n.”, in OED Online Paid subscription required⁠, Oxford, Oxfordshire: Oxford University Press, March 2006.

Further reading
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