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girasol

[jir-uh-sawl, -sol]
noun
  1. an opal that reflects light in a bright luminous glow.
  2. Jerusalem artichoke(def 1).
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adjective
  1. (of a stone) translucent and bluish-white with reddish reflections under strong light; opalescent.
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Also gir·a·sole [jir-uh-sohl] /ˈdʒɪr əˌsoʊl/, girosol.

Origin of girasol

1580–90; < Italian, equivalent to gira(re) to turn (see girandole) + sole the sun; cf. parasol
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2018

Examples from the Web for girasole

Historical Examples of girasole

  • It was a slight, and Girasole showed that he felt it; but Minnie could not help it.

    The American Baron

    James De Mille

  • All these things combined to stimulate the hate as well as the love of Girasole.

    The American Baron

    James De Mille

  • The arrival of Girasole, therefore, was greeted by her with joy.

    The American Baron

    James De Mille

  • The former he might consider a scoundrel; but why should Girasole mislead?

    The American Baron

    James De Mille

  • Girasole's presence, also, was felt to be an additional guarantee of safety.

    The American Baron

    James De Mille

British Dictionary definitions for girasole

girasol

girosol or girasole

noun
  1. a type of opal that has a red or pink glow in bright light; fire opal
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Word Origin for girasol

C16: from Italian, from girare to revolve (see gyrate) + sole the sun, from Latin sōl
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

Word Origin and History for girasole

n.

1580s, from Italian girasole, literally "turning toward the sun," from girare "to rotate" (see gyration) + sole (see Sol).

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Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2010 Douglas Harper