pyrites Meaning, Definition & Usage

  1. noun any of various metallic-looking sulfides (of which pyrite is the commonest)
  2. noun a common mineral (iron disulfide) that has a pale yellow color
    fool's gold; pyrite; iron pyrite.

WordNet

Py*ri"tes noun
Etymology
L., fr. Gr. , fr. fire. See Pyre.
Definitions
  1. (Min.) A name given to a number of metallic minerals, sulphides of iron, copper, cobalt, nickel, and tin, of a white or yellowish color. ✍ The term was originally applied to the mineral pyrite, or iron pyrites, in allusion to its giving sparks when struck with steel.

Webster 1913