amethyst

noun am·e·thyst \ 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

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amethystine

play \ˌa-mə-ˈthis-tən\ adjective

See amethyst defined for English-language learners

See amethyst defined for kids

Recent Examples of amethyst from the Web

Maggie: An amethyst necklace my grandma gave me for graduation.

— kirby adams, The Courier-Journal, "Back-to-college fashion advice from Crestwood teen and her stylish mom," 18 Aug. 2017
Kate Middleton wore a lavender dress for her third and final day in Germany, pairing it with amethyst and diamond drop earrings, nude pumps, and what is quite possibly the most perfect blowout in the history of blowouts.

— charles manning, Cosmopolitan, "Kate Middleton's Lavender Dress Will Save the World," 21 July 2017
Remnants of La Perla remain, especially the pretty amethyst bar, which is no longer a bar but a home to a display of baked goods.

— robert philpot, star-telegram, "Black Rooster Cafe is crowing in downtown Fort Worth," 21 July 2017
Hanna Howard, Digital Lifestyle Editor What: From brunette lob to dreamy amethyst bob.

— sarah wu, Teen Vogue, "Summer Hair Makeovers With Redken & Cutler Soho," 7 July 2017
Evangeline wore a gown of white lace and net with a necklace of amethyst and pearls that belonged to her grandmother.

— gary schwab, charlotteobserver, "Discovered WWII love letters reveal soldiers dreaming of Evangeline," 4 July 2017
The result was a magical syrup with an amethyst hue, sweetly and subtly smelling of lilacs.

— maya wilson, Alaska Dispatch News, "Capture the sweet essence of lilacs with this delicate, amethyst-colored syrup," 23 June 2017
Elderly men crouch in the room of plated gold to sweat out toxins from decades of decisions as teen girls lie in the amethyst rooms, manifesting their futures.

— arabelle sicardi, Allure, "The Spa Isn't as Relaxing — or Safe — for Trans and Gender Nonconforming People," 19 June 2017
Native to Brazil, this low-growing herbaceous perennial forms a rounded clump of dark amethyst purple leaves in summer.

— debbie arrington, sacbee.com, "How to add splash of purple to dry shade garden," 2 June 2017

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'amethyst.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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.”

Origin and Etymology 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

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First Known Use: 13th century

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AMETHYST Defined for English Language Learners

amethyst

noun

Definition of amethyst for English Language Learners

: a clear purple or bluish-purple stone that is used as a gem
: a medium purple color

AMETHYST Defined for Kids

amethyst

noun am·e·thyst \ ˈa-mə-thəst \

Definition of amethyst for Students

:a clear purple or bluish violet quartz used as a gem

History for amethyst

People once believed that amethysts could cure drunkenness. The ancient Greeks gave the stone a name that reflected this belief. The Greek name was formed from a prefix that meant “not” and a verb that meant “to be drunk.” This verb came from a Greek word that meant “wine.” The English word amethyst came from the Greek name for the stone.