Background for opal

opal

/ˈəʊpəl/ /ˈoʊpəl/

Illustration opal - Image 1

Illustration opal - Image 2

noun

A mineral consisting, like quartz, of silica, but inferior to quartz in hardness and specific gravity, of the chemical formula SiO2·nH2O.

Examples :

"The geologist carefully examined the opal, noting its beautiful colours but also its softer texture compared to the quartz crystals. "

mineral geology material substance

Illustration opal - Image 1

noun

A colloquial name used in molecular biology referring to a particular stop codon sequence, "UGA."

Examples :

"In her molecular biology class, Sarah learned that "opal" is another name for the UGA stop codon, which signals the end of protein synthesis. "

biology biochemistry

Illustration opal - Image 1

noun

Any of various lycaenid butterflies of the genus Nesolycaena.

Examples :

"While hiking in the rainforest, the butterfly enthusiast excitedly pointed out an opal flitting among the ferns. "

animal insect biology nature