n.
Pronunciation: ' a-g ə t
Function: noun
Usage: often attrib
Etymology: Middle French, from Latin achates, from Greek achat ē s
Date: 1570
1 : a fine-grained variegated chalcedony having its colors arranged in stripes, blended in clouds, or showing mosslike forms
2 : something made of or fitted with agate: as a : a drawplate used by gold-wire drawers b : a playing marble of agate
3 a : a size of type approximately 51/2 point b : condensed information (as advertisements or box scores) set especially in agate type