I. ˈaləˌbastə(r), -aas-, -ais-, -ȧs- also ˌ ̷ ̷ ̷ ̷ˈ ̷ ̷ ̷ ̷ noun
( -s )
Etymology: Middle English alabastre, from Middle French, from Latin alabaster, alabastrum, from Greek alabastros, alabastron alabaster, vase made of alabaster
1.
a. : a compact variety of fine-textured gypsum usually white and translucent but sometimes yellow, red, or gray that is carved into objects (as vases and mantel ornaments)
b. : a hard compact variety of calcite or aragonite that is translucent and sometimes banded — called also Mexican onyx, onyx marble, oriental alabaster
2. : a pale yellowish pink to yellowish gray — called also tilleul buff, white jade
II. adjective
: of or resembling alabaster ; specifically : having a nearly white color and a light-diffusing surface