Pyrite

Word of the Day

Pyrite is a noun that refers to a ‘fools’ gold’ or something that appears valuable but is worthless.

The Greek word pur (PU er) means fire. In addition to being the origin of such words as pyromania, it is also the basis of our word of the day. Pyrite usually refers to a shiny yellow mineral that was often mistaken for gold in the 19th century. But it can also be used metaphorically to refer to something that fools you into thinking it has value.

Tommy grew up believing he had the golden voice, but in truth the gold was pyrite. After pursuing a career as a singer, it became clear that his voice had no real value to anybody but Tommy.