opal

/ˈəʊpəl/noun
Middle School
1

A mineral consisting, like quartz, of silica, but inferior to quartz in hardness and specific gravity, of the chemical formula SiO₂·nH₂O.

2

A precious gem, an iridescent gemstone found in the opal-silica mineral substrate (potch)

3

The colour of opal: any shade of blue with bright flecks of other colours, such as white, yellow, and red.

4

A colloquial name used in molecular biology referring to a particular stop codon sequence, "UGA."

5

Any of various lycaenid butterflies of the genus Nesolycaena.

Sound Patterns & Rhymes

Rhymes

Words that share the same ending sound pattern

Alliteration

Words starting with the same consonant sound — used in poetry and prose to create rhythm, emphasis, and memorable phrasing (e.g. “Peter Piper picked”)

Assonance

Words sharing similar vowel sounds regardless of starting letter — creates internal melody in writing

Consonance

Words sharing similar consonant sound patterns — adds texture and cohesion to writing