Synonyms for alabaster


Grammar : Adj
Spell : al-uh-bas-ter, -bah-ster
Phonetic Transcription : ˈæl əˌbæs tər, -ˌbɑ stər


Définition of alabaster

Origin :
  • translucent whitish kind of gypsum used for vases, ornaments, and busts, late 14c., from Old French alabastre (12c., Modern French albâtre), from Latin alabaster "colored rock used to make boxes and vessels for unguents," from Greek alabastros (earlier albatos) "vase for perfumes," perhaps from Egyptian 'a-labaste "vessel of the goddess Bast." Used figuratively for whiteness and smoothness from 1570s. "The spelling in 16-17th c. is almost always alablaster ..." [OED].
  • adj smooth and white
Example sentences :
  • I have a little heathen god—Gautama; alabaster—and a mummied cat.
  • Extract from : « The Bacillus of Beauty » by Harriet Stark
  • If by any accident, marble or alabaster happen to be broken, it may be strongly cemented together in the following manner.
  • Extract from : « The Cook and Housekeeper's Complete and Universal Dictionary; Including a System of Modern Cookery, in all Its Various Branches, » by Mary Eaton
  • The head of the magistrate was half hidden by the paper, his brow was like alabaster.
  • Extract from : « Lord Jim » by Joseph Conrad
  • At one end there will be sure to be the image of the teacher, wrought in alabaster.
  • Extract from : « The Soul of a People » by H. Fielding
  • A lovely figure, as white and almost as clear as alabaster, was lying on the bed.
  • Extract from : « At the Back of the North Wind » by George MacDonald
  • Come and wash in the fountains that fall into the basins of crystal and alabaster.
  • Extract from : « The Wedding Ring » by T. De Witt Talmage
  • Tancred rushed to her side; she was quite insensible, and pale as alabaster.
  • Extract from : « Tancred » by Benjamin Disraeli
  • At the head stood an alabaster vase (X, 31) of a late Neolithic shape.
  • Extract from : « El Kab » by J.E. Quibell
  • I should be in the Alabaster Hall, waiting till Charmion came forth.
  • Extract from : « Cleopatra » by H. Rider Haggard
  • Dost forget how nigh thou wast to death there in the Alabaster Hall?
  • Extract from : « Cleopatra » by H. Rider Haggard

Antonyms for alabaster

Based on : Thesaurus.com - Gutenberg.org - Dictionary.com - Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019