n.
- a hard crystalline metamorphic form of limestone, typically variegated or mottled, which may be polished and is used in sculpture and building.
- a small ball of coloured glass used as a toy.
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(marbles)
[treated as sing.]
a game in which marbles are rolled along the ground.
-
(one's marbles)
informal one's mental faculties.
v.
give (something) the appearance of marble.
Derivative
- marbled adj.
- marbleize
or marbleise v. - marbler n.
- marbly adj.
Etymology
ME: via OFr. (var. of marbre), from L. marmor, from Gk marmaros ‘shining stone’.