garnet

noun

gar·​net ˈgär-nət 

1

: a brittle and more or less transparent usually red silicate mineral that has a vitreous luster, occurs mainly in crystals but also in massive form and in grains, is found commonly in gneiss and mica schist, and is used as a semiprecious stone and as an abrasive

2

: a variable color averaging a dark red

garnetiferous

ˌgär-nə-ˈti-f(ə-)rəs 

adjective

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The "Seedy" Origins of Garnet

The deep-red color of this gemstone reminded the French of a red-skinned fruit. In early French the fruit was called pomme grenate, which means “seedy apple.” This later became pomegranate in English. The early French word grenate, meaning “seedy,” is the source of the adjective grenat, meaning “red like a pomegranate.” This word was then used as a noun to refer to the deep-red gemstone. When borrowed into English, grenat became garnet.

Examples of garnet in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Bright, medium deep garnet; aromas of red cherry, red plum, red poppy and a hint of Himalayan salt. —Tom Hyland, Forbes, 6 Nov. 2024

Gems include blue, pink and violet sapphires, amethysts, rubies, pink garnets, tanzanites, iolites, aquamarines and diamonds. —Carol Besler, Robb Report, 23 Oct. 2024

The name ‘garnet’ for example, comes from the way the Ancient Greeks described the red, glowing stones. —Kate Matthams, Forbes, 30 Sep. 2024

Rubies were referenced in the Bible - although these stones are now thought to have been more likely garnets or spinels - and often symbolize blood. —Kate Matthams, Forbes, 30 Sep. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Middle English gernet, garnet, granat, borrowed from Anglo-French gernete, grenat, noun derivative of grenat "ruby-colored, red," probably after pome garnate pomegranate, with garnate taken to mean "red"

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing garnet

• garnet paper

Kids Definition

garnet

noun

gar·​net ˈgär-nət 

1

: a transparent usually red mineral used as a gem or for grinding, smoothing, or polishing

2

: a deep red color

Etymology

Middle English gernet "garnet," from early French gernete (same meaning), from gernet (adjective) "red like a pomegranate," from pomme gernete "pomegranate," literally, "seedy apple"; pomme from earlier pome "apple" and gernete derived from Latin granum "grain, seed" — related to grain, grenade, pomegranate

Word Origin

The garnet owes its name to its color. The deep red color of a garnet reminded the French of a red-skinned fruit. In early French the fruit was called pomme gernete, which means "seedy apple." This later became pomegranate in English. The early French word gernete, meaning "seedy," is the source of the adjective gernet, meaning "red like a pomegranate." This word was then used as a noun to mean the red gemstone. When borrowed into English, gernet became garnet.