ENGLISH
REFERENCE

marble

n. C / U
B1 Intermediate US //ˈmɑɹbəɫ// UK //mˈɑːbəl// mar·ble

n. a hard, smooth stone that people use for buildings and statues. It often has beautiful colored lines running through it.

n. a metamorphic rock composed of recrystallized carbonate minerals, most commonly calcite or dolomite. Frequently used in sculpture and architecture for its durability and aesthetic polish.


SIMPLE

The kitchen floor is made of white marble.

CONTEXTUAL

Archaeologists discovered several statues carved from local marble during the excavation of the ancient temple.

COMPLEX

The preservation of the frieze is remarkable, as the high-quality marble has resisted the corrosive effects of the elements better than the softer limestone used in the surrounding structures.

Usage

Uncountable when referring to the material in general; countable when referring to a small glass ball used in games.

Idioms1 entry

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