sapphire

[saf-ahy^uhr]

noun

1. any gem variety of corundum other than the ruby, especially one of the blue varieties.

2. a gem of this kind.

3. the color of this gem, a deep blue.

adjective

1. resembling sapphire; deep blue.

   a sapphire sky.

sapphire

/ ˈsæfaɪə /

noun

1. 1. any precious corundum gemstone that is not red, esp the highly valued transparent blue variety. A synthetic form is used in electronics and precision apparatus. Formula: Al 2 O 3

   2. ( as modifier )

      a sapphire ring

2. 1. the blue colour of sapphire

   2. ( as adjective )

      sapphire eyes

sapphire

1. A clear, fairly pure form of the mineral corundum that is usually blue but may be any color except red. It often contains small amounts of oxides of cobalt, chromium, and titanium and is valued as a gem.

2. Compare ruby

Word History and Origins

Origin of sapphire¹

First recorded in 1250–1300; Middle English saphir(e), saph(i)er, from Old French safir(e), saffir, saffer, from Latin sapphīrus, sappīrus, from Greek sáppheiros, perhaps “lapis lazuli, lazurite, sapphire,” probably from Semitic (compare Hebrew sappīr, and probably a loanword in Semitic); sappīr and related Semitic forms perhaps come from Sanskrit śanipuriya “dear to (the planet) Saturn,” equivalent to Śani “(the planet) Saturn” + priyá- “dear”; further origin uncertain

Word History and Origins

Origin of sapphire¹

C13 safir, from Old French, from Latin sapphīrus, from Greek sappheiros, perhaps from Hebrew sappīr, ultimately perhaps from Sanskrit śanipriya, literally: beloved of the planet Saturn, from śani Saturn + priya beloved

Example Sentences

Thousands of diamonds studded the jewels, as well as sapphires and emeralds the size of lozenges.

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The women would be attired in colorful ball gowns—blush pink, scarlet, sapphire blue, and forest green—and the men in tuxedos.

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Second, they replaced the standard sapphire substrate with high-purity silicon, a material foundational to the computing industry.

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Authorities are deeply concerned, however, that the jewels risk being broken down for their valuable gems, which range from hundreds of diamonds to emeralds and sapphires the size of lozenges.

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They also took a necklace that once belonged to Marie-Amelie, the last queen of France, and which contains eight sapphires and 631 diamonds, according to the Louvre's website.

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Related Words

• blue-green 

When To Use

What does sapphire mean?

Sapphire is a transparent gemstone known for its deep-blue variety.Sapphire belongs to the corundum family of minerals. Sapphires come in a variety of colors (including completely clear), but if a color is not specified, the word sapphire usually refers to the blue kind. This is the most well-known and is classified as a precious gem, meaning that it has a high commercial value. Some varieties of sapphire, like the one known as star sapphire, are considered even more valuable.Sapphire is popular in jewelry. It is one of the birthstones for the month of September. It is associated with the zodiac sign of Taurus.Some sapphires are synthetic, meaning they are manufactured, as opposed to being formed naturally. Due to its hardness, synthetic sapphire is used in a variety of practical applications, including as a material to make windows, lasers, and circuits. It is sometimes used as an abrasive, which is a material used for grinding and polishing.The word sapphire is also sometimes used to refer to a deep-blue color.Example: If I had the money, I’d buy that deep-blue sapphire ring.