amethyst

noun

am·​e·​thyst ˈa-mə-thəst 

-(ˌ)thist

1

a

: a clear purple or bluish-violet variety of crystallized quartz that is often used as a jeweler's stone

b

: a deep purple variety of corundum

2

: a moderate purple

amethystine

ˌa-mə-ˈthi-stən 

adjective

Did you know?

Gems were once believed to have magical qualities. An amethyst, for example, was supposed to have the power to prevent or cure drunkenness in its wearer. For this reason the Greeks gave it the name amethystos, which comes from the prefix a-, meaning “not,” and methyein “to be drunk.”

Examples of amethyst in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Instead of coordinating her outfit with the amethyst hue, Kim used the piece to inject a pop of color into her otherwise all-white look. —Leah Dolan, CNN, 4 Nov. 2024

Her beauty choices nodded to vintage glamour, with her dark hair styled in a flippy bob and makeup featuring a purple eyeshadow that cleverly matched the amethyst stones. —Jenzia Burgos, StyleCaster, 3 Nov. 2024

Most citrine comes from the heat treatment of amethyst, according to the Geological Institute of America. —Olivia Munson, USA TODAY, 1 Nov. 2024

In addition to the movie’s themes, the colors green, pink and purple are highlighted across the inventory with emeralds, pink sapphires and amethysts. —Erin Lassner, The Hollywood Reporter, 1 Nov. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Middle English amatiste, from Anglo-French & Latin; Anglo-French, from Latin amethystus, from Greek amethystos, literally, remedy against drunkenness, from a- + methyein to be drunk, from methy wine — more at mead

First Known Use

13th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Kids Definition

amethyst

noun

am·​e·​thyst ˈam-ə-thəst 

-(ˌ)thist

1

: a clear purple or bluish violet variety of crystallized quartz used as a gem

2

: a medium purple

Etymology

Middle English amatiste "amethyst," from early French amatiste and Latin amethystus (both with the same meaning), from Greek amethystos, literally "remedy against drunkenness," from a- "not" and methyein "to be drunk," from methy "wine"

Word Origin

Gems were once believed to have magical qualities. An amethyst, for example, was supposed to have the power to prevent or cure drunkenness in its wearer. For this reason the Greeks gave it the name amethystos, which comes from the prefix a-, meaning "not," and methyein "to be drunk."