carnelian
Americannoun
noun
Usage
What is carnelian? Carnelian is a reddish gemstone. It is a variety of chalcedony, a type of quartz. It varies from semi-opaque to translucent, and it can be various shades of red or amber. When it is variegated or banded (meaning the stone shows stripes of white), it is sometimes called agate. Carnelian is sometimes spelled cornelian (its original spelling), though this is now much less common. Carnelian is considered a semiprecious gemstone, which is a label applied to gemstones that have a lesser value than those deemed precious. However, carnelian is not commonly seen in fine jewelry and can be quite inexpensive. Carnelian is typically formed into a shape known as a cabochon, which is polished but not cut into facets. These are often used as beads in necklaces and bracelets. Carnelian is one of the traditional birthstones for the month of August (though in the UK it is considered one of the birthstones for the month of July). The word carnelian can also refer to a color—a shade of dark reddish-brown, like that of the gemstone. Example: The ancient pendant was made from a striking piece of banded carnelian.
Etymology
Origin of carnelian
1685–95; variant (with a of carnation ) of cornelian, Middle English cornel ( ine ) (< Middle French, probably equivalent to Old French cornele cornel cherry + -ine -ine 1 ) + -ian
Vocabulary lists containing carnelian
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Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
There seemed to be innumerable books, most of them with some kind of fantastical setting, often featuring heroes with names that appeared to echo Cornelius – Jherek Carnelian, Erekose, Elric, Corum.
From The Guardian • Feb. 4, 2011
After experimenting with 140 varieties of grape, he has planted 15 acres in Carnelian, a cross between Cabernet, Grenache and Carignane.
From Time Magazine Archive
Carnelian supposedly increases fertility and promotes inner strength.
From Time Magazine Archive
To vary the route, I turned up at Cayton Mill, past the large reservoir from which Scarborough is supplied with water, along the edge of the undercliff to the high road, leaving Carnelian Bay unvisited.
From A Month in Yorkshire by White, Walter
So he flew up with the King high in air and sat him down in the City of Carnelian and Castle of Gold, where Barkan seated himself on the throne of his kingship.
From The Book of the Thousand Nights and a Night — Volume 07 by Burton, Richard Francis, Sir
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
