sapphire

[ saf-ahyuhr ]
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noun
  1. any gem variety of corundum other than the ruby, especially one of the blue varieties.

  2. a gem of this kind.

  1. the color of this gem, a deep blue.

adjective
  1. resembling sapphire; deep blue: a sapphire sky.

Origin of sapphire

1
First recorded in 1250–1300; Middle English saphir(e), saph(i)er, from Old French safir(e), saffir, saffer, from Latin sapphīrus, sappīrus, from Greek sáppheiros, perhaps “lapis lazuli, lazurite, sapphire,” probably from Semitic (compare Hebrew sappīr, and probably a loanword in Semitic); sappīr and related Semitic forms perhaps come from Sanskrit śanipuriya “dear to (the planet) Saturn,” equivalent to Śani “(the planet) Saturn” + priyá- “dear”; further origin uncertain

Words Nearby sapphire

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How to use sapphire in a sentence

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

Origin of sapphire

1
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

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Scientific definitions for sapphire

sapphire

[ săfīr′ ]


  1. 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.

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