Vesuvian adjective & noun. [vɪ'su:vɪǝn] Also (in sense B.2) vesuvian. L17.
[from Vesuvius (see below) + -AN.]
A. adjective. Of, pertaining to, or resembling (that of) Vesuvius, an active volcano on the Bay of Naples in Italy. L17.
b. noun.
1. Mineralogy. = vesuvianite. L18.

2. A kind of match used esp. for lighting cigars or pipes in the open air. Now chiefly Hist. M19.

■ vesuvianite noun (Mineralogy) a silicate of calcium, magnesium, and aluminium, occurring as brown, yellow, or green crystals or masses in metamorphosed limestones L19.

[TahlilGaran] English Dictionary ▲