sapphire

sap·phire

noun \ˈsa-ˌfīr\

: a clear, usually deep blue jewel

: a deep blue color

Full Definition of SAPPHIRE

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

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Origin of SAPPHIRE

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

First Known Use: 13th century

Rhymes with SAPPHIRE

attire, backfire, bemire, catch fire, cross fire, denier, desire, entire, for hire, fox fire, Greek fire, grey friar, hang fire, hellfire, live wire, on fire, prior, rimfire, sea fire, snow tire, town crier, trip wire, umpire, watch fire, white friar

sapphire

noun    (Concise Encyclopedia)

Transparent to translucent natural or synthetic variety of corundum that is highly prized as a gemstone. Its colour is due mainly to the presence of small amounts of iron and titanium and normally ranges from very pale blue to deep indigo. Colourless, gray, yellow, pale pink, orange, green, violet, and brown varieties also are known as sapphire; red varieties are called ruby. Synthetic sapphire has been produced commercially since 1902. Much is used in jewelry, but most is used in the manufacture of jewel bearings, gauges, dies, and other specialized components; some also is used as a high-grade abrasive. It is found in Sri Lanka, Myanmar, India, and Montana in the U.S.