How Do You Spell GLAUCOUS?

Pronunciation: [ɡlˈɔːkəs] (IPA)

The word "glaucous" is spelled with six letters and pronounced /ˈɡlɔːkəs/. The first syllable is pronounced as "glaw," and the second syllable is pronounced as "kus." The spelling of the word is determined by its Greek origin, where "glauc-" means "bluish-gray" or "greenish-blue." The "-ous" ending means "full of" or "resembling." This word is commonly used to describe the color of plants or minerals that possess a pale-green or blue-gray tint.

GLAUCOUS Meaning and Definition

1. Glaucous is an adjective that refers to a pale or bluish-gray color or appearance. It is derived from the Latin word "glaucus," meaning light bluish-green or gray.

   In terms of botany, glaucous describes a plant or plant part that has a waxy or powdery coating, giving it a pale or bluish hue. This coating is often found on leaves, stems, or fruits, and is especially common in certain plant families like succulents, cacti, and some grasses. The glaucous coating serves as a protective layer that helps reduce water loss and prevents damage from excessive sunlight.

   In a broader context, glaucous can also characterize non-botanical objects, such as minerals or organisms. For instance, certain minerals like jade or chalcedony can display a glaucous appearance due to their unique chemical composition. Additionally, some animals, like birds or insects, may exhibit glaucous feathers or wings, displaying a muted bluish-gray coloration.

   Overall, glaucous describes a distinct shade of pale or bluish-gray, often found in plants but also seen in other objects or organisms. It conveys a sense of subtle elegance and understated beauty, associated with the waxy or powdery coating that contributes to its appearance.

2. Of a sea-green colour; a greyish blue; in bot., covered or frosted with a pale-green bloom.

   Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.

Common Misspellings for GLAUCOUS

• flaucous
• vlaucous
• blaucous
• hlaucous
• ylaucous
• tlaucous
• gkaucous
• gpaucous
• goaucous
• glzucous
• glsucous
• glwucous
• glqucous
• glaycous
• glahcous
• glajcous
• glaicous
• gla8cous
• gla7cous

Etymology of GLAUCOUS

The word "glaucous" comes from the Ancient Greek word "γλαυκός" (glaucos), which means "light blue-gray" or "greenish-gray". The Greek term was derived from the Proto-Indo-European root "*gleh₁u-", which means "gray" or "green". The word has been used in English since the early 17th century to describe things with a pale green or bluish-gray color, particularly plants with a waxy or powdery coating.

Similar spelling words for GLAUCOUS

• glycogen,
• glucosuria,
• glucose,
• Glascock,
• Calicoes,
• glycoside,
• calicos,
• glycosuria,
• glucoside,
• clucks.