View synonyms for

sapphire

[saf-ahy^uhr]

Phonetic (Standard)IPA

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.

sapphire

/ ˈ��æ�ڲ�ɪə /

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

sapphire

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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Word History and Origins

Origin of sapphire¹

First recorded in 1250–1300; Middle English saphir(e), saph(i)er, from Old French safir(e), saffir, saffer, from Latin ��ī��ܲ�, ��ī��us, from Greek ��á��𾱰��ǲ�, perhaps “lapis lazuli, lazurite, sapphire,” probably from Semitic (compare Hebrew ��ī��, and probably a loanword in Semitic); ��ī�� and related Semitic forms perhaps come from Sanskrit ś��Ծ��ܰ��ⲹ “dear to (the planet) Saturn,” equivalent to Ś��Ծ� “(the planet) Saturn” + ��á- “dear”; further origin uncertain

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Word History and Origins

Origin of sapphire¹

C13 safir, from Old French, from Latin ��ī��ܲ�, from Greek sappheiros, perhaps from Hebrew ��ī��, ultimately perhaps from Sanskrit ś��Ծ��ⲹ, literally: beloved of the planet Saturn, from ś��Ծ� Saturn + priya beloved

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Example Sentences

Examples have not been reviewed.

The findings included nearly 1,800 gems, including rubies, topaz, sapphires and patterned gold sheets, stored inside a brick chamber.

From

Referred to as "the comforter", he was ushered in - along with his family - by a marching band, horse parade and a series of luxury vehicles, among them a midnight sapphire Rolls Royce.

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They come from a glittering hoard of nearly 1,800 pearls, rubies, topaz, sapphires, and patterned gold sheets, first glimpsed deep inside a brick chamber near the Buddha's birthplace in present-day Uttar Pradesh in India.

From

She also excavated a few gems, including a star sapphire ring that belonged to her late father and an inexpensive metal lotus bowl that I had loved, deformed but still somehow itself.

From

Around the edge lies a circle of 34 sapphires honoring late Dodgers pitcher Fernando Valenzuela, who died in the midst of last year’s World Series run.

From

Related Words

blue-green��

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When To Use

�� does��sapphire mean?

Sapphire is a transparent gemstone known for its deep-blue variety.Sapphire belongs to the corundum family of minerals. Sapphires come in a variety of colors (including completely clear), but if a color is not specified, the word sapphire usually refers to the blue kind. This is the most well-known and is classified as a precious gem, meaning that it has a high commercial value. Some varieties of sapphire, like the one known as star sapphire, are considered even more valuable.Sapphire is popular in jewelry. It is one of the birthstones for the month of September. It is associated with the zodiac sign of Taurus.Some sapphires are synthetic, meaning they are manufactured, as opposed to being formed naturally. Due to its hardness, synthetic sapphire is used in a variety of practical applications, including as a material to make windows, lasers, and circuits. It is sometimes used as an abrasive, which is a material used for grinding and polishing.The word sapphire is also sometimes used to refer to a deep-blue color.Example: If I had the money, I’d buy that deep-blue sapphire ring.

Sapphira sapphirine

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