sapphire — a precious stone, typically blue, that is a variety of corundum
Part of speech: NOUN
Definition: a precious stone, typically blue, that is a variety of corundum
Pronunciation (IPA): /ˈsæfaɪər/
Example Sentences
- The princess lost her sapphire slipper at the ball, but unlike Cinderella, she never got it back.
- His grandmother's sapphire brooch was the only family heirloom that survived the garage sale.
- The engagement ring featured a stunning sapphire surrounded by diamonds.
sapphire
NOUN[/ˈsæfaɪər/]
a precious stone, typically blue, that is a variety of corundum
Brilliant blue sapphire gemstone
Sapphire suspended by wire above the fire!
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🎤Pronunciation
🌳Etymology
Origin
The word derives from Greek sappheiros, which passed through Latin sapphirus and Old French safir before entering English as sapphire. Originally, it referred to lapis lazuli (a blue stone), but the term later came to denote the precious corundum gemstone known today as sapphire.
Breakdown
Greek sappheiros → Latin sapphirus → Old French safir → English sapphire. The ultimate origin may relate to Semitic languages, though the exact root meaning remains uncertain in the Greek form.
🎵Rhyme
🔗Collocations
📝Examples
“The princess lost her sapphire slipper at the ball, but unlike Cinderella, she never got it back.”
“His grandmother's sapphire brooch was the only family heirloom that survived the garage sale.”
“The engagement ring featured a stunning sapphire surrounded by diamonds.”
“She claimed her pet cat's eyes were as blue as sapphires, but they looked more like marbles to me.”
📚Related Words
Synonyms
Antonyms
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