chrysoprase

noun

chrys·o·prase | \ ˈkri-sə-ˌprāz

How to pronounce chrysoprase (audio)

\

Definition of chrysoprase

: an apple-green chalcedony valued as a gem

History and Etymology for chrysoprase

Middle English crisopace, crisopassus, crissoprassus, borrowed from Latin chrȳsoprasos, chrȳsoprasum, borrowed from Greek chrȳsóprasson, from chrȳso- chryso- + -prasos, derivative of práson "leek," probably of pre-Greek substratal origin

Note: Both Greek práson and Latin porrum "leek" can be taken back to a zero-grade *pr̥so-, but given the limited distribution of the etymon a loan from a Mediterranean language is more likely than Indo-European descent.

Keep scrolling for more

Learn More about chrysoprase

Dictionary Entries near chrysoprase

Chrysosphaerales

Statistics for chrysoprase

Cite this Entry

“Chrysoprase.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/chrysoprase. Accessed 28 Feb. 2021.

Style: MLA

MLA

Chicago

APA

Merriam-Webster

Comments on chrysoprase

What made you want to look up chrysoprase? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).

WORD OF THE DAY

deference

Listen to the pronunciation of deference

See Definitions and Examples »

Get Word of the Day daily email!

Test Your Vocabulary

February 2021 Words of the Day Quiz

Which is a synonym of perdure?

How Strong Is Your Vocabulary?

Test your vocabulary with our 10-question quiz!

TAKE THE QUIZ

Spell words. Make bears.

TAKE THE QUIZ