emerald

[em-er-uhld, em-ruhld]

noun

1. a rare variety of beryl that is colored green by chromium and valued as a gem.

2. emerald green.

3. Printing.,  (in Britain) a 6½-point type of a size between nonpareil and minion.

4. Ornithology.,  any of numerous small bright green hummingbirds of the genus Chlorostilbon.

adjective

1. having a clear, deep-green color.

emerald

/ ˈɛmrəld, ˈɛmərəld /

noun

1. a green transparent variety of beryl: highly valued as a gem

2. 1. the clear green colour of an emerald

   2. ( as adjective )

      an emerald carpet

3. (formerly) a size of printer's type approximately equal to 6 1/ 2 point

4. short for emerald moth

emerald

1. A transparent, green form of the mineral beryl. It is valued as a gem.

Word History and Origins

Origin of emerald¹

First recorded in 1250–1300; Middle English emeraude, emeralde, from Anglo-French, Old French esmeraude, esmeralde, esmeragde, from Latin smaragdus, from Greek smáragdos; probably ultimately from Semitic b-r-q “to shine,” also the ultimate source of Sanskrit marakata “emerald”

Word History and Origins

Origin of emerald¹

C13: from Old French esmeraude, from Latin smaragdus, from Greek smaragdos; related to Sanskrit marakata emerald

Example Sentences

Goff’s students adapted his radical approach particularly well to Northern California’s dramatic landscapes, ranging from emerald green bluffs and cascading valleys to fog-embraced coastlines.

From Los Angeles Times

The photo, taken earlier this month, also features her wedding band, her five carat emerald cut diamond engagement ring, and a gold ring composed of circular plaques on her little finger.

From BBC

Bedecked with emerald green feathers and a rose-red beak, the ring-neck parakeets have become the star attraction at the Waterworks Park.

From BBC

It’s a tranquil family neighborhood, where people wave while walking their dogs and children play soccer in an emerald park down the street.

From Los Angeles Times

Shergar won the Derby at Epsom in 1981 by 10 lengths in the Aga Khan's emerald green racing silks with red epaulets but was kidnapped in Ireland two years later and never found.

From BBC

When To Use

What does emerald mean?

An emerald is a rare, transparent, deep-green gemstone.Emeralds are a rare green variety of the mineral beryl. They are classified as precious gems, meaning that they have a high commercial value. Emeralds can be very expensive. The value of emeralds is often based on how dark they are, with darker ones being priced higher.The emerald is the traditional birthstone for the month of May. It’s associated with the zodiac signs Taurus and Cancer.The word emerald can also be used to refer to a deep color of green, sometimes called emerald green, or to describe things that are this color.Example: My grandmother gave me this emerald ring to remember where our family immigrated came from—Ireland, the “Emerald Isle.”