Definition

A white crystalline material made from zirconium oxide, often used as a diamond substitute in jewelry and in various industrial applications.

Example

The ring was set with a sparkling cubic zirconia that looked just like a real diamond.

Conversation

Have you ever seen a piece of jewelry made with zirconia?

Yeah, I actually have a ring with zirconia stones in it.

I think it's amazing how realistic it looks compared to diamonds.

Absolutely! It's a great alternative for those who want something beautiful without the high cost.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Zirconia comes from 'zircon' (from Middle French *zircon*, meaning a mineral) and the suffix '-ia' (used in naming substances). The word refers to the substance derived from the mineral zircon, specifically zirconium dioxide.

Memory Tip

Think of 'zircon' as the mineral source and '-ia' indicating a substance, helping you remember that zirconia is a substance derived from zircon.

Visually Confused Words