Main Entry: sap·phire

Pronunciation: \ˈsa-ˌfīr\

Function: noun

Etymology: Middle English safir, from Anglo-French, from Latin sapphirus, from Greek sappheiros, perhaps of Semitic origin; akin to Hebrew sappīr sapphire

Date: 13th century

1 a : a gem variety of corundum in transparent or translucent crystals of a color other than red; especially : one of a transparent rich blue b : a gem of such corundum
2 : a deep purplish-blue color

— sapphire adjective