amethyst

noun

am·​e·​thyst ˈa-mə-thəst 

-(ˌ)thist

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

amethystine

ˌa-mə-ˈthi-stən 

adjective

Did you know?

Gems were once believed to have magical qualities. An amethyst, for example, was supposed to have the power to prevent or cure drunkenness in its wearer. For this reason the Greeks gave it the name amethystos, which comes from the prefix a-, meaning “not,” and methyein “to be drunk.”

Examples of amethyst in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Photo : Chopard Earrings in titanium set with two amethyst briolettes (43.67 cts), brilliant-cut pink sapphires (14.48 cts), and diamonds (5.64 cts). —Justin Fenner, Robb Report, 20 May 2025

Each ring is made of sterling silver with 18 purple amethyst gemstones and 74 genuine diamonds. —Hailey Salvian, New York Times, 28 Apr. 2025

The top of the ring features the Walter Cup — the league’s trophy, designed and crafted by luxury jeweler Tiffany & Co. — in the center, surrounded by 18 amethysts, which represent the number of wins Minnesota had en route to winning the inaugural championship. —Hailey Salvian, New York Times, 28 Apr. 2025

Use rich jewel tones, like emerald, sapphire, and amethyst, to recreate the look of these dyes in your home and bring in a feeling of depth. —Maggie Gillette, Better Homes & Gardens, 13 Mar. 2025

Word History

Etymology

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, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Kids Definition

amethyst

noun

am·​e·​thyst ˈam-ə-thəst 

-(ˌ)thist

1

: a clear purple or bluish violet variety of crystallized quartz used as a gem

2

: a medium purple

Etymology

Middle English amatiste "amethyst," from early French amatiste and Latin amethystus (both with the same meaning), from Greek amethystos, literally "remedy against drunkenness," from a- "not" and methyein "to be drunk," from methy "wine"

Word Origin

Gems were once believed to have magical qualities. An amethyst, for example, was supposed to have the power to prevent or cure drunkenness in its wearer. For this reason the Greeks gave it the name amethystos, which comes from the prefix a-, meaning "not," and methyein "to be drunk."