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amethyst

am·e·thyst [ ámmithəst ] (plural am·e·thysts)

noun

Definition:

1. violet quartz: a translucent violet precious stone that is a variety of quartz. Use: gems.

2. purple sapphire: a purple variety of corundum. Use: gems.

3. bluish purple: a bluish purple color

[13th century. Via French and Latin< Greek amethustos "not intoxicating" < methu "wine"]

am·e·thyst adjective

am·e·thys·tine [ àmmə thíst n ] adjective

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