Did you know that 'gangue' is actually French?

'Gangue' is a word borrowed from French 'gang'. The word entered the English language some time around 1809.

gangue [noun] [1809]

The worthless rock or vein matter in which valuable metals or minerals occur
Meaning: the worthless rock or vein matter in which valuable metals or minerals occur.

Etymology: French; from German Gang vein of metal; from Old High German; act of going.

Topics: Science:Geology.

Origin: From French to English.

See 'gangue' on the Loan Words Map

See more loan words from French.

See more loan words from 1800s.