Vitreous

Origin

From Latin vitreus ("glassy, transparent"), from vitrum ("glass").

The terms vitreous (positive) and resinous (negative) electricity were coined in 1733 by Charles François de Cisternay du Fay, who studied the different behaviour of glass and resin when rubbed with silk and fur, respectively.

Full definition of vitreous

Adjective

1. Of, or resembling glass; glassy
2. Of, or relating to the vitreous humor of the eye
3. (of ceramics) having a shiny nonporous surface
4. (chemistry) Of a semi-crystalline substance where the atoms exhibit short-range order, but without the long-range order of a crystal
5. (physics, dated) positive (of electric charge)

Antonyms

• (electric charge) resinous

Derived terms

• vitreous humour
  vitreous humor

Noun

1. (by elision) The vitreous humor.