jasper

[ jas-per ]

/ ˈdʒæs pər /

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noun

a compact, opaque, cryptocrystalline variety of quartz, usually colored red: often used in decorative carvings.

Also called jasper ware, cameo ware. a fine, hard stoneware introduced c1775 by Wedgwood, stained various colors by metallic oxides, with raised designs in white.

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Question 1 of 7

Which sentence is correct?

His boss, whom he admires, is waiting to meet with him about the big project.

His boss, who he admires, is waiting to meet with him about the big project.

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Origin of jasper

1300–50; Middle English jaspe, jaspre<Middle French; Old French jaspe<Latin iaspis<Greek iáspis<Semitic; compare Arabic yashb

Other definitions for jasper (2 of 3)

jasper²

[ jas-per ]

/ ˈdʒæs pər /

noun Older Slang.

a fellow; guy.

Origin of jasper

1895–1900, Americanism; special use of proper name Jasper

Other definitions for jasper (3 of 3)

Jasper

[ jas-per ]

/ ˈdʒæs pər /

noun

a city in NW Alabama.

a resort town in SW Alberta, in SW Canada, on the Athabasca River: headquarters for Jasper National Park.

a male given name, form of Caspar.

British Dictionary definitions for jasper

jasper

/ (ˈdʒæspə) /

noun

an opaque impure microcrystalline form of quartz, red, yellow, brown, or dark green in colour, used as a gemstone and for ornamental decoration

Also called: jasper ware a dense hard stoneware, invented in 1775 by Wedgwood, capable of being stained throughout its substance with metallic oxides and used as background for applied classical decoration

Word Origin for jasper

C14: from Old French jaspe, from Latin jaspis, from Greek iaspis, of Semitic origin; related to Assyrian ashpū, Arabic yashb, Hebrew yāshpheh

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

Scientific definitions for jasper

jasper

[ jăs′pər ]

A reddish, brown, or yellow variety of chert. Jasper usually occurs in association with iron ores and contains iron impurities that give it its color.