Definition

A type of hard, compact clay stone that is often red or pink, used by Native American peoples to create tobacco pipes and other carved items.

Example

The artisan skillfully carved the pipestone into a beautiful tobacco pipe.

Conversation

I saw a beautiful pipe made from pipestone at the art fair yesterday.

Really? I’ve heard that pipestone is special for its cultural significance.

Yeah, it’s used by Native Americans to make tobacco pipes and other objects.

That’s fascinating! I’d love to learn more about how they carve it.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Pipestone → The word is formed from "pipe" (from Old English *pipian*, meaning to make a sound like a pipe) and "stone" (from Old English *stan*, meaning a solid mineral matter). Pipestone refers to a type of stone that can be carved into pipes, traditionally used by Native Americans for ceremonial smoking.

Memory Tip

Think of 'pipe' as something that makes a sound and 'stone' as a solid material. This helps you remember that pipestone is a stone used to make pipes.

Visually Confused Words