'-ite' definitions:
Definition of '-ite'
From: GCIDE
- -ite \-ite\ [From Gr. ?, ?.]
- 1. A suffix denoting one of a party, a sympathizer with or adherent of, and the like, and frequently used in ridicule; as, a Millerite; a Benthamite. [1913 Webster]
- 2. A suffix used in naming minerals; as, chlorite, from its characteristic green color; barite, from its heaviness; graphite, from its use in writing. [1913 Webster]
- 3. (Chem.) A suffix used to denote the salts formed from those acids whose names end in -ous; as, sulphite, from sulphurous; nitrite, from nitrous acid, etc. [1913 Webster]