amethyst Meaning & Definition
What Does Amethyst Mean?
Amethyst is a noun that means A transparent purple to violet variety of quartz with traces of manganese, used as a gemstone. It is also used to mean A purple colour. As an adjective, it means Having a colour similar to that of the gemstone.
Word Facts for Amethyst
| Part of speech | noun, adjective |
|---|---|
| Pronunciation | /ˈæm.ə.θɪst/ |
| Syllables | 3 |
| Synonyms | chromatic and colored |
| Plural | amethysts |
| Comparative / superlative | more amethyst, most amethyst |
Amethyst Definition (Noun)
- A transparent purple to violet variety of quartz with traces of manganese, used as a gemstone.
- A purple colour.
amethyst:
- The tincture purpure, when blazoning by precious stones.
Amethyst as an Adjective
- Having a colour similar to that of the gemstone
Synonyms of Amethyst
Amethyst synonyms and antonyms →Amethyst in a Sentence
amethyst:
Word Forms & Grammar
amethyst (plural amethysts)
amethyst (comparative more amethyst, superlative most amethyst)
Origin of Amethyst
Origin 1: From Middle English ametist, from Old French ametiste (French améthyste), from Ancient Greek ἀμέθυστος (améthustos, “not drunk”), from ἀ- (a-, “not”) + μεθύω (methúō, “to be drunk”), from μέθυ (méthu, “wine”).
Origin 2: The name was based on the ancient belief that amethyst gemstones could prevent intoxication. People in ancient Greece and Rome would wear amethyst or drink from cups made of amethyst to ward off the effects of alcohol.
How to Pronounce Amethyst
You say amethyst as /ˈæm.ə.θɪst/. It has 3 syllables, with the main stress on the first syllable (æm).
Amethyst: Your Questions Answered
Is amethyst a noun or an adjective?
Amethyst is mainly used as a noun, but it can also be used as an adjective.
What is another word for amethyst?
You can replace amethyst with words such as chromatic and colored. See the full list of amethyst synonyms and antonyms.
What is the plural of amethyst?
The plural of amethyst is amethysts.
What are the comparative and superlative forms of amethyst?
The comparative form is more amethyst and the superlative form is most amethyst.