emerald

em-er-ald · noun

imported

Definitions

noun

  1. 1.

    A bright green precious stone, a variety of beryl, valued as a gemstone.

  2. 2.

    A bright green color resembling that of an emerald.

Forms

plural: emeralds

Phrases & expressions

  • •
    Emerald Isle — a nickname for Ireland, referring to its lush green landscape
  • •
    emerald green — a vivid bright green color
  • •
    emerald city — a beautiful or idealized city (from The Wizard of Oz)

Related words

See also: diamond, gem, ruby, sapphire
Synonyms: beryl, green gem

Etymology

From Old French esmeralde, from Vulgar Latin esmaralda, from Latin smaragdus, from Greek smaragdos ("green gem"). The word has been used in English since the 13th century.