Standard Lemma guide

steatite

noun · 2 senses · updated from the 2026-07-25 local source snapshot

Definitions and examples are grouped by meaning. Pronunciation, history, word forms, translations, descendants, synonyms, antonyms, derived terms, and related words appear whenever the source provides them.

Sound

Pronunciation

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  • /ˈstiːəˌtaɪt/

1

noun

Meaning 1

Soapstone. (often synonymous; more information at soapstone § Terminology).

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Usage: countable, uncountable

Topics: chemistry, geography, geology, mineralogy, natural-sciences, physical-sciences

No example sentence was provided for this meaning.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

2

noun

Meaning 2

a soft heavy compact variety of talc having a soapy feel; used to make hearths and tabletops and ornaments

Definition source: Princeton WordNet 3.0

No example sentence was provided for this meaning.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: soapstone, soaprock, soap-rock

Antonyms: none provided

Broader terms: talc, talcum

History

Etymology

From Latin steatītis, from Ancient Greek στέαρ (stéar, “tallow”). By surface analysis, steat(o)- (“fat”) + -ite (“stone”).

Across languages

Translations

5 source translations are retained for this English entry.

  • Catalan: esteatita — soapstone — see also soapstone
  • French: stéatite — soapstone — see also soapstone
  • German: Steatit — soapstone — see also soapstone
  • Polish: steatyt — soapstone — see also soapstone
  • Turkish: sabun taşı — soapstone — see also soapstone