hyacinth

hy·a·cinth

noun \ˈhī-ə-(ˌ)sin(t)th, -sən(t)th\

Definition of HYACINTH

1

a : a precious stone of the ancients sometimes held to be the sapphire b : a gem zircon or essonite

2

a : a plant of the ancients held to be a lily, iris, larkspur, or gladiolus b : a bulbous perennial herb (Hyacinthus orientalis) of the lily family that is native to the Mediterranean region but is widely grown for its dense spikes of fragrant flowers — compare grape hyacinth, water hyacinth

3

: a light violet to moderate purple

— hy·a·cin·thine \ˌhī-ə-ˈsin(t)-thən\ adjective

Illustration of HYACINTH

Origin of HYACINTH

Latin hyacinthus, a precious stone, a flowering plant, from Greek hyakinthos

First Known Use: 1553