amethyst

noun am·e·thyst \ˈa-mə-thəst, -(ˌ)thist\

: a clear purple or bluish-purple stone that is used as a gem

: a medium purple color

Full Definition of AMETHYST

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

: a moderate purple

— am·e·thys·tine \ˌa-mə-ˈthis-tən\ adjective

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Origin of AMETHYST

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

AMETHYST Defined for Kids

amethyst

noun am·e·thyst \ˈa-mə-thəst\

Definition of AMETHYST for Kids

: a clear purple or bluish violet quartz used as a gem

Word History of AMETHYST

People once believed that amethysts could cure drunkenness. The ancient Greeks gave the stone a name that reflected this belief. The Greek name was formed from a prefix that meant “not” and a verb that meant “to be drunk.” This verb came from a Greek word that meant “wine.” The English word amethyst came from the Greek name for the stone.