sapphire

noun

1. 1

   A clear deep blue variety of corundum, valued as a precious stone.

   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.

2. 2

   A white, yellow, or purple variety of corundum, either clear or translucent.

3. 3

   A deep blue colour.

4. 4

   Azure, when blazoning by precious stones.

   Elgin. Topaz a Saltier and Chief Ruby, on a Canton Pearl a Lyon Rampant Saphyr, which last is their paternal Coat; […]

   3. Saphire, ten Bezants, 4, 3, 2, 1, by the Bisset.

   (2) Topaz, a Chief Indented, Saphire.

   Topaz, on a Cross, Sapphire, a Crosier thrust through a Mitre, Topaz.

5. 5

   Any hummingbird in the genera Hylocharis and Chlorestes, as well as the rufous-throated sapphire, which is now in the genus Amazilia.

6. 6

   Any of the butterflies in the southern Asian lycaenid genus Heliophorus or the African lycaenid genus Iolaus.

adjective

1. 1

   of a deep blue colour.

   At about eleven, we uncaged our pigeons, who flew away into the sapphire sky that hung like a sail from the white peaks.

   They awoke to panoramic views of a national park's tropical forests, the Gulf of Paria's shallows and the Caribbean's sparkling sapphire waters.

2. 2

   pertaining to a 45th year

Forms

plural

sapphires

comparative

more sapphire

superlative

most sapphire