PYROXENE

[py.rox.ene] n [F pyroxene, fr. Gk pyr- + xenos stranger] (1800): any of a group of igneous-rock-forming silicate minerals that contain calcium, sodium, magnesium, iron, or aluminum, usu. occur in short prismatic crystals or massive form, are often laminated, and vary in color from white to dark green or black -- py.rox.e.nic adj -- py.rox.e.noid adj or n