emerald

[ em-er-uhld, em-ruhld ]

noun

1. a rare variety of beryl that is colored green by chromium and valued as a gem.
2. emerald green.
3. Printing. (in Britain) a 6½-point type of a size between nonpareil and minion.
4. Ornithology. any of numerous small bright green hummingbirds of the genus Chlorostilbon.

adjective

1. having a clear, deep-green color.

emerald

/ ˈɛmrəld; ˈɛmərəld /

noun

1. a green transparent variety of beryl: highly valued as a gem
2. 1. the clear green colour of an emerald
   2. ( as adjective )

      an emerald carpet

3. (formerly) a size of printer's type approximately equal to 6 1 2 point
4. short for emerald moth

emerald

/ ĕm′ər-əld /

1. A transparent, green form of the mineral beryl. It is valued as a gem.

Word History and Origins

Origin of emerald¹

First recorded in 1250–1300; Middle English emeraude, emeralde, from Anglo-French, Old French esmeraude, esmeralde, esmeragde, from Latin smaragdus, from Greek smáragdos; probably ultimately from Semitic b-r-q “to shine,” also the ultimate source of Sanskrit marakata “emerald”

Word History and Origins

Origin of emerald¹

C13: from Old French esmeraude, from Latin smaragdus, from Greek smaragdos; related to Sanskrit marakata emerald

Example Sentences

According to Brazilian authorities, the Bahia Emerald is one of the largest emeralds, if not the largest, ever discovered.

From Los Angeles Times

Over time, the bones concealed in the ground turn the same emerald hue.

From Los Angeles Times

Agricultural communities pop up like emeralds in a landscape of brown.

From Los Angeles Times

She has found inspiration in historical documents, including the 1930 Olmsted-Bartholomew Plan, in which landscape architects proposed creating room for the river and forming an “emerald necklace” of parklands.

From Los Angeles Times

It had a cargo of gold, silver and emeralds worth billions of dollars.

From BBC

More About Emerald

What does emerald mean?

An emerald is a rare, transparent, deep-green gemstone.

Emeralds are a rare green variety of the mineral beryl. They are classified as precious gems, meaning that they have a high commercial value. Emeralds can be very expensive. The value of emeralds is often based on how dark they are, with darker ones being priced higher.

The emerald is the traditional birthstone for the month of May. It’s associated with the zodiac signs Taurus and Cancer.

The word emerald can also be used to refer to a deep color of green, sometimes called emerald green, or to describe things that are this color.

Example: My grandmother gave me this emerald ring to remember where our family immigrated came from—Ireland, the “Emerald Isle.”

Where does emerald come from?

The first records of the word emerald come from the 1200s. It comes from the Old French esmeralde, from the Greek smáragdos, meaning “green gem.” It may ultimately derive from a Semetic word meaning “shine.”

Most emeralds are formed in metamorphic rock. The stone gets its signature green color from small amounts of the element chromium. Emeralds can be found in many locations throughout the world, but main sources include Colombia and Brazil.

The term emerald cut refers to a way of cutting precious stones, not just emeralds. It consists of a rectangular or square shape and cropped corners.

Did you know ... ?

What are some synonyms for emerald?

• emerald green (when emerald refers to the color)
• smaragd
• smaragdine

What are some words that share a root or word element with emerald? 

• emerald cut
• Emerald Isle
• Esmeralda

What are some words that often get used in discussing emerald?

 

• green
• precious
• gem
• gemstone
• mineral
• beryl
• May

How is emerald used in real life?

Emeralds are one of the most well-known precious gems. They have been used as a signifier of wealth for thousands of years.

Elizabeth Olsen Debuts Huge Emerald Engagement Ring During Outing with Fiancé Robbie Arnett https://t.co/I8Hyja6HyY

— People (@people) August 5, 2019

Made a nice Emerald ring today. Serious pucker factor setting this large stone as it has a good size inclusion down the side that breaks the surface. One false move or too much pressure and it would have been over. Took my time and it turned out great! 🙂 pic.twitter.com/N9LbUnhImD

— Jerome Kelty (@makingtolearn) April 15, 2021

An emerald cut emerald feels very meta. pic.twitter.com/f4MEd3sQTW

— Lee Radziwill (@RadziwillLee) August 4, 2020

 

Try using emerald!

True or False?

Emeralds are quite rare.