Definition of amethyst
1a : a clear purple or bluish-violet variety of crystallized quartz that is often used as a jeweler's stoneb : a deep purple variety of corundum
2 : a moderate purple
Read the Latest from M-W
Recent Examples of amethyst from the Web
-
Native to Brazil, this low-growing herbaceous perennial forms a rounded clump of dark amethyst purple leaves in summer.
-
Other Silly Bandz that would be popular in my house: MicroKorg synthesizer, Yamaha digital drum kit, Vocoder, Owl City album art, amethyst geode, Cylon helmet.
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
AMETHYST Defined for English Language Learners
amethyst
playDefinition 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
playDefinition 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.
Learn More about amethyst
-
Spanish Central: Translation of amethyst Nglish: Translation of amethyst for Spanish speakers Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about amethyst
Seen and Heard
What made you want to look up amethyst? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).
Writing? Check your grammar now!