amethyst

am·e·thyst

noun \ˈa-mə-thəst, -(ˌ)thist\

Definition of AMETHYST

1

a : a clear purple or bluish-violet variety of crystallized quartz that is often used as a jeweler's stone b : a deep purple variety of corundum

2

: a moderate purple

— am·e·thys·tine \ˌa-mə-ˈthis-tən\ adjective

Origin of AMETHYST

Middle English amatiste, from Anglo-French & Latin; Anglo-French, from Latin amethystus, from Greek amethystos, literally, remedy against drunkenness, from a- + methyein to be drunk, from methy wine — more at mead

First Known Use: 13th century