How to pronounce perlite
Say it like PUR-lyte. Perlite has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (PUR).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce perlite. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- PUR
- lyte
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Perlite pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- PURSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "ur" in nurse.
- lyteKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "i" in time.
American vs British pronunciation of perlite
- Americans pronounce the r after a vowel; most British speakers leave it silent and lengthen the vowel instead.
British respelling: PUR-lyte.
What does perlite mean?
- An amorphous volcanic glass formed by the hydration of obsidian.
- The lightweight insulating material and aggregate resulting from expanding perlite glass by heat.
Where does perlite come from?
From French perle (“pearl”) + -ite.
Questions about saying perlite
How do you pronounce perlite?
Say PUR-lyte. The American pronunciation is /ˈpɝlaɪt/. In British English it is /ˈpɜːlaɪt/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in perlite?
Perlite has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (PUR). Broken into parts: PUR · lyte.
Is perlite pronounced differently in British English?
Yes. Americans pronounce the r after a vowel; most British speakers leave it silent and lengthen the vowel instead. The British form is /ˈpɜːlaɪt/ (PUR-lyte).