amethyst

noun

am·​e·​thyst ˈa-mə-thəst How to pronounce amethyst (audio)
-(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 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
These examples are automatically compiled from online sources to illustrate current usage. Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
In addition to the movie’s themes, the colors green, pink and purple are highlighted across the inventory with emeralds, pink sapphires and amethysts. Erin Lassner, The Hollywood Reporter, 1 Nov. 2024 Gems include blue, pink and violet sapphires, amethysts, rubies, pink garnets, tanzanites, iolites, aquamarines and diamonds. Carol Besler, Robb Report, 23 Oct. 2024 The amethyst crystals are found in lava flows, which date from the original breakup of the supercontinent Gondwana around 134 million years ago. David Bressan, Forbes, 9 Oct. 2024 Jessica Chastain recorded a bathroom beauty tutorial in hers, while Rita Ora wore an amethyst version in London and aboard a yacht in Ibiza. Lindzi Scharf, The Hollywood Reporter, 3 Sep. 2019 See all Example Sentences for amethyst 

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of amethyst was in the 13th century

Dictionary Entries Near amethyst

Cite this Entry

“Amethyst.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/amethyst. Accessed 14 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

amethyst

noun
am·​e·​thyst ˈam-ə-thəst How to pronounce amethyst (audio)
-(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."

More from Merriam-Webster on amethyst

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