alabaster
UK[ˈæləbɑːstə]US[ˈæləbæstər]
n
a translucent, usually white, fine-grained variety of gypsum, used for carving ornaments.
n
a pale, translucent white color resembling the stone.
Etymology
the word 'alabaster' entered english via old french and latin from the greek 'alábastros', which referred to a vase made of alabaster. the greek term itself is likely of egyptian origin, possibly derived from the name of the egyptian town 'alabastron', known for producing such stone vessels. the semantic journey is thus from a toponym (place name) associated with a material, to the material itself, and finally to the characteristic color it exhibits. this evolution from a specific geographical source to a general material and color term is a common pattern in the history of words for minerals and pigments.
Analysis
the word is a simplex loanword. its spelling and form have been borrowed as a whole unit into english.
Examples
the medieval tomb was carved from a single block of polished alabaster.
her skin was as smooth and pale as alabaster.
the museum's collection includes several ancient egyptian alabaster jars.