Background for opals

opals

/ˈoʊpəlz/

Illustration opals - Image 1

noun

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

Examples :

"My aunt collects beautiful opals, admiring their shimmering colors despite knowing they are softer than quartz and can scratch easily. "

mineral geology material substance science

Illustration opals - Image 1

noun

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

Examples :

"In genetics class, we learned that "opals," or UGA stop codons, signal the end of protein synthesis. "

biology biochemistry technical

Illustration opals - Image 1

noun

Any of various lycaenid butterflies of the genus Nesolycaena.

Examples :

"While hiking in the rainforest, the butterfly enthusiast excitedly pointed out a group of opals fluttering around a flowering bush. "

animal insect biology nature