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

While this Earth sign is known for its determination and discipline, amethyst encourages them to slow down, rest and tune into their inner wisdom. —Valerie Mesa, People.com, 23 Dec. 2024

The piece itself has quite the story: Originally created by Garrard in the 1920s, the cross features stunning square-cut amethysts surrounded by 5.25 carats of circular-cut diamonds. —Jenzia Burgos, StyleCaster, 3 Nov. 2024

Originally made by Garrard in the 1920s, the Attallah Cross features square-cut amethysts surrounded by 5.25 carats of circular-cut diamonds. —Hannah Malach, WWD, 3 Sep. 2019

Its rich purple amethyst color pairs well with navy and feels indulgent. —Kelsey Glennon, Travel + Leisure, 10 Dec. 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."