ruby
Origin of ruby
OTHER WORDS FROM ruby
ru·by·like, adjectiveWords nearby ruby
Other definitions for ruby (2 of 2)
MORE ABOUT RUBY
What does ruby mean?
A ruby is a transparent red gemstone. Rubies are one of the most well-known gemstones, along with diamonds, emeralds, and sapphires.
They are classified as precious gems, meaning that they have a high commercial value. Rubies are quite rare and are considered one of the most valuable gems. Besides diamond, ruby is one of the hardest known natural substances.
The ruby is the traditional birthstone for the month of July. It is associated with the zodiac signs Capricorn and Leo.
The word ruby is also used to refer to a jewel-toned red color or describe things that are that color. The word is often used in the term ruby red, as in Look at that ruby red sports car!
The word ruby is sometimes used to describe a 40-year anniversary, as in It’s my parents’ ruby anniversary this year—I can’t believe they’ve been married for 40 years!
Ruby is also a given name, traditionally a female one.
It’s also the name of a programming language.
Example: The ring features a large ruby surrounded by diamonds.
Where does ruby come from?
The first records of the word ruby come from the 1300s. It comes from the Medieval Latin rubīnus (lapis), meaning “red (stone).” It ultimately derives from the Latin ruber or rubeus, meaning “red.”
Rubies are a red variety of the mineral corundum, a form of aluminum oxide. Traces of chromium and other minerals are responsible for its brilliant red coloring. (Sapphires are a blue variety of corundum.)
Historically, rubies have been mined primarily in Myanmar and Sri Lanka, though they can be found in other places. Some rubies are synthetic, meaning they are manufactured in a lab.
Did you know … ?
What are some synonyms for ruby?
What are some words that share a root or word element with ruby?
What are some words that often get used in discussing ruby?
How is ruby used in real life?
Rubies are one of the most well-known gems. The word ruby is often used to describe things that are a deep, jewel-toned red, especially in the term ruby red.
Bryce proposed with a gorgeous ruby ring. ruby is my birthstone. he understood the assignment entirely 🥰💖
— della mescudi (@spicydells) June 8, 2021
A treasure chest filled with gold, rubies, emeralds and diamonds has been found in the Rocky Mountains, the collector who hid the prize a decade ago sayshttps://t.co/fDw6rsUOHY
— CNN Breaking News (@cnnbrk) June 8, 2020
Strawberry season only lasts from mid-June to early July. Here are four farms to visit for picking these delicious ruby red berries. https://t.co/WlREqOBo5z pic.twitter.com/Fr71V88PrI
— Rhode Island Monthly (@RIMonthly) June 14, 2021
Try using ruby!
True or False?
Rubies and sapphires are different varieties of the mineral corundum.
How to use ruby in a sentence
British Dictionary definitions for ruby
- the deep-red colour of a ruby
- (as adjective)ruby lips
- something resembling, made of, or containing a ruby
- (as modifier)ruby necklace