Sapphire Meaning
/ˈsæf.aɪ̯ə/Definition, CEFR level C2, pronunciation, examples, and quiz.
Listen pronunciation
Definition
nounA clear deep blue variety of corundum, valued as a precious stone.
nounA white, yellow, or purple variety of corundum, either clear or translucent.
Sentence Examples
I have to change the sapphire of my phonograph.
Sapphire is the blue form of corundum.
CEFR Practice Quiz
The queen's crown was decorated with a large blue ____ from Sri Lanka.
CEFR Practice Quiz (Alternate)
She wore a stunning ____ ring that matched the deep blue of her evening gown.
Word Origin & History
From Middle English saphir, from Old French saphir, from Latin sapphir, sappir, sapphīrus, from Ancient Greek σάπφειρος (sáppheiros, “precious stone, gem”), from a Semitic language such as Hebrew סַפִּיר (sappī́r, “lapis lazuli”), originally from Assyrian Akkadian šipirtu (“lapis lazuli”).
Literary Quotations & Historical Citations
"Although there are dozens of different types of gems, among the best known and most important are diamond, ruby and sapphire, emerald and other gem forms of the mineral beryl, chrysoberyl, tanzanite, tsavorite, topaz and jade."
— 2012 March 26, Lee A. Groat, “Gemstones”, in American Scientist, volume 100, number 2, archived from the original on 14 Jun 2012, page 128:
"Elgin. Topaz a Saltier and Chief Ruby, on a Canton Pearl a Lyon Rampant Saphyr, which last is their paternal Coat; […]"
— 1720, Francis Nichols, Rudiments of Honour, page 296:
"3. Saphire, ten Bezants, 4, 3, 2, 1, by the Bisset."
— 1726, John Guillim, The Banner Display'd; Or, an Abridgment of Guillim, page 504:
"(2) Topaz, a Chief Indented, Saphire."
— 1754, John Lodge, The Peerage of Ireland; Or, a Genealogical History of the ..., page 71:
"Topaz, on a Cross, Sapphire, a Crosier thrust through a Mitre, Topaz."
— 1756, Francis Nichols, The Irish Compendium, Or, Rudiments of Honour, Containing the Descent, Marriage, Isssue, Titles, Posts, and Seats, of All the Nobility of Ireland..., page 440:
Explore More C2 Vocabulary Words
CEFR Practice Quiz
The queen's crown was decorated with a large blue ____ from Sri Lanka.
CEFR Practice Quiz (Alternate)
She wore a stunning ____ ring that matched the deep blue of her evening gown.