Definition of oriental emerald
: a green corundum used as a gem
In a way this is odd, since, unlike rubies and sapphires, today's commercial emeralds are a green-tinted form not of corundum but of beryl, a different mineral entirely. Yet there is a green corundum, too, known commercially as “Oriental emerald,” which was not distinguished from green beryl in antiquity.— ‘Philologos’, The Jewish Daily Forward, 14 May 2004
Keep scrolling for more
Test Your Vocabulary
Words of Snow and Ice Quiz
- Which of the following refers to thin, bending ice, or to the act of running over such ice?

Test your visual vocabulary with our 10-question challenge!
TAKE THE QUIZ
A daily challenge for crossword fanatics.
TAKE THE QUIZLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridgedWords at Play
Ask the Editors
Word Games
Words of Snow and Ice Quiz
A selection of words from the chillier parts of t...
Take the quizName that Thing: Toys and Games Edition
It's all fun and games until someone beats your h...
Take the quizName That Thing
Test your visual vocabulary with our 10-question ...
Take the quizWord Winder's CrossWinder Play the game
Share oriental emerald
Time Traveler for oriental emerald
The first known use of oriental emerald was in 1802
See more words from the same year