ZEOLITE

[ze.o.lite] n [Sw zeolit, fr. Gk zein to boil + -o- + Sw -lit -lite, fr. F -lite--more at yeast] (ca. 1777): any of various hydrous silicates that are analogous in composition to the feldspars, occur as secondary minerals in cavities of lavas, and can act as ion-exchangers; also: any of various natural or synthesized silicates of similar structure used esp. in water softening and as adsorbents and catalysts -- ze.o.lit.ic adj