n., adj., & v.
n. (pl. -ies) 1 a rare precious stone consisting of corundum with a colour varying from deep crimson or purple to pale rose. 2 a glowing purple-tinged red colour.
adj. of this colour.
v.tr. (-ies, -ied) dye or tinge ruby-colour. ruby glass glass coloured with oxides of copper, iron, lead, tin, etc. ruby-tail a wasp, Chrysis ignita, with a ruby-coloured hinder part. ruby wedding the fortieth anniversary of a wedding.
[ ME f. OF rubi f. med.L rubinus (lapis) red (stone), rel. to L rubeus red ]