emerald

1 of 2

noun

em·​er·​ald ˈe-mə-rəld 

ˈem-rəld

1

: a rich green variety of beryl prized as a gemstone

2

: any of various green gemstones (such as synthetic corundum or demantoid)

emerald

2 of 2

adjective

: brightly or richly green

Did you know?

Highly valued as gemstones, emeralds are a grass-green variety of beryl. The capacity of emeralds to deflect light and to break white light into its component colors is not high, so cut stones display little brilliancy or fire (flashes of color). The color that gives this gem its value comes from the presence of small amounts of chromium. The most important production of fine-quality gem material is Colombia; emeralds are also mined in Russia, Australia, South Africa, and Zimbabwe. Synthetic emeralds are identical to natural crystals and may rival them in color and beauty.

Examples of emerald in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

The coin is set in 18-karat yellow gold and surrounded by 149 emerald beads totaling 615.04 carats, buff-top emeralds totaling 16.53 carats and pavé-set diamonds totaling 40.69 carats. —Laurie Brookins, The Hollywood Reporter, 18 June 2024

On another necklace in the set, the pendant featuring a 10.24-carat emerald set in an oval frame that can be folded into as a cocktail ring, also revealing a number five when seen from the side. —Lily Templeton, WWD, 17 June 2024

Adjective

In the emerald countryside of Wales sits a manor named Nantclwyd Hall. —Chip Colwell, Smithsonian Magazine, 26 Feb. 2024

Her new piece of jewelry included a large emerald stone in the center with diamonds in a halo effect around the gemstone. —Charna Flam, Peoplemag, 16 Feb. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Noun

Middle English emerallde, from Anglo-French esmeralde, from Vulgar Latin *smaralda, from Latin smaragdus, from Greek smaragdos — more at smaragd

First Known Use

Noun

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Adjective

1508, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing emerald

• emerald ash borer
• emerald cut
• emerald green

Kids Definition

emerald

1 of 2 noun

em·​er·​ald ˈem-(ə-)rəld 

: a rich green gem

emerald

2 of 2 adjective

: brightly or richly green