Sapphire

/ˈsæf.aɪ̯ə/ · noun

Meaning

(countable) A clear deep blue variety of corundum, valued as a precious stone..

Definitions by Sense

1. (countable) A clear deep blue variety of corundum, valued as a precious stone.
2. (countable and uncountable) A white, yellow, or purple variety of corundum, either clear or translucent.
3. (countable and uncountable) A deep blue colour.
4. (heraldry) Azure, when blazoning by precious stones.
5. (countable) Any hummingbird in the genera Hylocharis and Chlorestes, as well as the rufous-throated sapphire, which is now in the genus Amazilia.
6. Any of the butterflies in the southern Asian lycaenid genus Heliophorus or the African lycaenid genus Iolaus.
7. of a deep blue colour.
8. pertaining to a 45th year

Example Sentences

Although there are dozens of different types of gems, among the best known and most important are diamond, ruby and sapphire, emerald and other gem forms of the mineral beryl, chrysoberyl, tanzanite, tsavorite, topaz and jade.

Elgin. Topaz a Saltier and Chief Ruby, on a Canton Pearl a Lyon Rampant Saphyr, which last is their paternal Coat; […]

3. Saphire, ten Bezants, 4, 3, 2, 1, by the Bisset.

(2) Topaz, a Chief Indented, Saphire.

Topaz, on a Cross, Sapphire, a Crosier thrust through a Mitre, Topaz.

At about eleven, we uncaged our pigeons, who flew away into the sapphire sky that hung like a sail from the white peaks.

They awoke to panoramic views of a national park's tropical forests, the Gulf of Paria's shallows and the Caribbean's sparkling sapphire waters.

Synonyms for sapphire

Antonyms for sapphire

Related Words

Word Forms

• sapphires
• more sapphire
• most sapphire

Usage Notes

Choose a synonym only when it preserves the intended meaning, tone, and grammar of the full sentence.

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