amber

¹am·ber

noun \ˈam-bər\

Definition of AMBER

1

: a hard yellowish to brownish translucent fossil resin that takes a fine polish and is used chiefly in making ornamental objects (as beads)

2

: a variable color averaging a dark orange yellow

Origin of AMBER

Middle English ambre, from Anglo-French, from Medieval Latin ambra, from Arabic ʽanbar ambergris

First Known Use: 14th century

Rhymes with AMBER

camber, clamber, timbre

²amber

adjective

Definition of AMBER

1

: consisting of amber

2

: resembling amber; especially : having the color amber

First Known Use of AMBER

15th century

am·ber

noun \ˈam-bər\   (Medical Dictionary)

Medical Definition of AMBER

: a hard yellowish to brownish translucent fossil resin that takes a fine polish and is used chiefly in making ornamental objects (as beads)

—amber adjective

amber

noun    (Concise Encyclopedia)

Fossil tree resin that occurs as irregular nodules, rods, or droplike shapes in all shades of yellow with nuances of orange, brown, and, rarely, red. Milky-white opaque varieties are called bone amber. Hundreds of species of insects and plants are found as fossils in amber. Deeply coloured translucent to transparent amber is prized as gem material, and numerous ornamental carved objects and beads are made from amber. Amber has been found throughout the world, but the largest deposits occur along the shores of the Baltic Sea.