turquoise

Meanings

1. 1
   noun

   an opaque blue-green mineral containing hydrated copper and aluminium phosphate, valued as a gemstone

   The jeweller set a polished turquoise in the centre of the silver brooch.

2. 2
   noun

   a greenish-blue colour resembling the gemstone

   The sea changed from deep blue to turquoise near the reef.

3. 3
   adj

   having a greenish-blue colour

   She chose a turquoise scarf to brighten the dark coat.

From Middle French turquoise, short for pierre turquoise, 'Turkish stone,' because Persian turquoise reached western Europe through Turkish trading routes. The colour name developed from the characteristic blue-green gemstone.

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