amethyst

Meanings

1. 1
   noun

   a transparent purple or violet variety of quartz used as a gemstone

   The ring held a pale amethyst surrounded by small diamonds.

2. 2
   adj

   purple or violet in color, like the gemstone

   An amethyst glow remained above the hills after sunset.

From Middle English ametist, through Old French and Latin from Greek amethystos, literally 'not intoxicated,' formed from a- ('not') + methyein ('to be drunk'). The name reflects the ancient belief that wearing amethyst or drinking from an amethyst vessel could prevent drunkenness.

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