sapphire
[ saf-ahyuh r ]
/ ˈsæf aɪər /
noun
any gem variety of corundum other than the ruby, especially one of the blue varieties.
a gem of this kind.
the color of this gem, a deep blue.
adjective
resembling sapphire; deep blue: a sapphire sky.
Origin of sapphire
1225–75; < Latin
sapphīrus < Greek
sáppheiros, probably < Semitic (compare Hebrew
sappīr; ulterior origin obscure); replacing Middle English
safir < Old French < Latin, as above
Words nearby sapphire
sappanwood,
sapper,
sapphic,
sapphic ode,
sapphira,
sapphire,
sapphirine,
sapphism,
sappho,
sapporo,
sappy
Example sentences from the Web for sapphire
British Dictionary definitions for sapphire
sapphire
/ (ˈsæfaɪə) /
noun
- any precious corundum gemstone that is not red, esp the highly valued transparent blue variety. A synthetic form is used in electronics and precision apparatus. Formula: Al 2 O 3
- (as modifier)a sapphire ring
- the blue colour of sapphire
- (as adjective)sapphire eyes
Word Origin for sapphire
C13
safir, from Old French, from Latin
sapphīrus, from Greek
sappheiros, perhaps from Hebrew
sappīr, ultimately perhaps from Sanskrit
śanipriya, literally: beloved of the planet Saturn, from
śani Saturn +
priya beloved
Scientific definitions for sapphire
sapphire
[ săf′īr′ ]
A clear, fairly pure form of the mineral corundum that is usually blue but may be any color except red. It often contains small amounts of oxides of cobalt, chromium, and titanium and is valued as a gem. Compare ruby.