-ite \-ite\ [From Gr. ?, ?.]
1. A suffix denoting one of a party, a sympathizer with or
adherent of, and the like, and frequently used in
ridicule; as, a Millerite; a Benthamite.
2. A suffix used in naming minerals; as, chlorite, from its
characteristic green color; barite, from its heaviness;
graphite, from its use in writing.
3. (Chem.) A suffix used to denote the salts formed from
those acids whose names end in -ous; as, sulphite, from
sulphurous; nitrite, from nitrous acid, etc.
Source: Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)
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