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

Example sentences from the Web for sapphire

British Dictionary definitions for sapphire

sapphire
/ (ˈsæfaɪə) /

noun

  1. 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
  2. (as modifier)a sapphire ring
  1. the blue colour of sapphire
  2. (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
[ săfīr′ ]

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.