-ite definition

<suffix>

A combining form or suffix that means a party, a sympathizer with or adherent of, and the like, and frequently used in ridicule; as, a Millerite; a Benthamite.

Origin: from or suggested by French -ite, via Latin -ita from Greek -ites

(11 Feb 2009)

<suffix>

1. <geology> A suffix used in naming minerals; as, chlorite, from its characteristic green colour; barite, from its heaviness; graphite, from its use in writing.

2. <chemistry> A suffix used to denote the salts formed from those acids whose names end in -ous; as, sulphite, from sulphurous; nitrite, from nitrous acid, etc.

Origin: from or suggested by French -ite, via Latin -ita from Greek -ites

(11 Feb 2009)