sapphire

American  

[saf-ahy^uhr] / ˈsæf aɪər /

noun

1. any gem variety of corundum other than the ruby, especially one of the blue varieties.

2. a gem of this kind.

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

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adjective

1. resembling sapphire; deep blue.

   a sapphire sky.

sapphire British  

/ ˈsæfaɪə /

noun

1. 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

2. 1. the blue colour of sapphire

   2. ( as adjective )

      sapphire eyes

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sapphire Scientific  

/ săf′īr′ /

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.

2. Compare ruby

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Usage

What 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.

Etymology

Origin of sapphire

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

Example Sentences

Thousands of diamonds studded the jewels, as well as sapphires and emeralds the size of lozenges.

From The Wall Street Journal

The paintings of Katherine Bradford are luminous with color: Swimmers float in sapphire and cobalt seas.

From Seattle Times

The Fabergé cigar box, sporting a green and blue peacock, is made of silver gilt, enamel and gold, plus one sapphire.

From New York Times

Despite the state’s sapphire tilt, more than 6 million Californians voted for then-President Trump in 2020 — more than any other state in the nation.

From Los Angeles Times

The depth of perspective in the canyon is astonishing, especially when cottony white clouds in a sapphire sky and pyramid-shaped peaks in the distance add an extra dimension to the tableau.

From New York Times

Related Words

• blue-green