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garnet

noun
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gar·​net | \ ˈgär-nət How to pronounce garnet (audio) \

Definition of garnet

1 : a brittle and more or less transparent usually red silicate mineral that has a vitreous luster, occurs mainly in crystals but also in massive form and in grains, is found commonly in gneiss and mica schist, and is used as a semiprecious stone and as an abrasive
2 : a variable color averaging a dark red
Other Words from garnet The "Seedy" Origins of Garnet Example Sentences Phrases Containing garnet Learn More About garnet

Other Words from garnet

garnetiferous \ ˌgär-​nə-​ˈti-​f(ə-​)rəs How to pronounce garnet (audio) \ adjective

The "Seedy" Origins of Garnet

The deep-red color of this gemstone reminded the French of a red-skinned fruit. In early French the fruit was called pomme grenate, which means “seedy apple.” This later became pomegranate in English. The early French word grenate, meaning “seedy,” is the source of the adjective grenat, meaning “red like a pomegranate.” This word was then used as a noun to refer to the deep-red gemstone. When borrowed into English, grenat became garnet.

Examples of garnet in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web Light garnet color, red fruits underlined by raspberry, current and cranberry, spicy. — Lana Bortolot, Forbes, 14 Apr. 2022 The show begins with Solace’s beautiful garnet color featuring flecks of cranberry. — Michael Alberty | For The Oregonian/oregonlive, oregonlive, 7 July 2022 The deep red garnet is a gemstone that’s been used since the Bronze Age. — Vogue, 10 May 2022 The gender neutral romper comes in six colors, including basics like black and charcoal gray, as well as slightly bolder options like garnet red and sage green. — Ariel Scotti, Travel + Leisure, 10 June 2022 Earlier this month, Shaman Durek surprised the daughter of Norway's King Harald V and Queen Sonja with a garnet stone and diamond jewelry set by designer Paige Novick. — Stephanie Petit, PEOPLE.com, 29 Sep. 2021 In the face-off between a red chiffon Saint Laurent and a garnet Halston, Mr. Ford gives Halston the point. — Laura Jacobs, WSJ, 15 May 2022 Other décor items include a 300-bottle wine closet, a deep brown leather couch and matching chair, a garnet Persian rug and a high-top table. — Diana Lambdin Meyer, USA TODAY, 23 Apr. 2022 The 18-karat gold nib is engraved with an English rose, and the pen’s clip is set with a red garnet. — Nancy Olson, Forbes, 25 Apr. 2022 See More

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

First Known Use of garnet

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

History and Etymology for garnet

Middle English gernet, garnet, granat, borrowed from Anglo-French gernete, grenat, noun derivative of grenat "ruby-colored, red," probably after pome garnate pomegranate, with garnate taken to mean "red"

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Time Traveler for garnet

Time Traveler

The first known use of garnet was in the 14th century

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Dictionary Entries Near garnet

Garner

garnet

garnetberry

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Statistics for garnet

Last Updated

2 Aug 2022

Cite this Entry

“Garnet.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/garnet. Accessed 8 Aug. 2022.

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More Definitions for garnet

garnet

noun
gar·​net | \ ˈgär-nət How to pronounce garnet (audio) \

Kids Definition of garnet

: a deep red mineral used as a gem

More from Merriam-Webster on garnet

Nglish: Translation of garnet for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about garnet

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