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sapphire

noun sap·phire \ˈsa-ˌfīr\

: a clear, usually deep blue jewel

: a deep blue color

Full Definition of SAPPHIRE

a : a gem variety of corundum in transparent or translucent crystals of a color other than red; especially : one of a transparent rich blue

b : a gem of such corundum

: a deep purplish-blue color

— sapphire adjective

See sapphire defined for English-language learners

See sapphire defined for kids

Origin of SAPPHIRE

Middle English safir, from Anglo-French, from Latin sapphirus, from Greek sappheiros, perhaps of Semitic origin; akin to Hebrew sappīr sapphire

First Known Use: 13th century

Rhymes with SAPPHIRE

attire, backfire, bemire, catch fire, cross fire, denier, desire, entire, for hire, fox fire, Greek fire, grey friar, hang fire, hellfire, live wire, on fire, prior, rimfire, sea fire, snow tire, town crier, trip wire, umpire, watch fire, white friar

SAPPHIRE Defined for Kids

sapphire

noun sap·phire \ˈsa-ˌfīr\

Definition of SAPPHIRE for Kids

: a clear bright blue gemstone

Learn More About SAPPHIRE

Spanish Central: Spanish translation of "sapphire"

Nglish: Translation of "sapphire" for Spanish speakers

Britannica English: Translation of "sapphire" for Arabic speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about "sapphire"

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