[to.paz] n [ME topace, fr. OF, fr. L topazus, fr. Gk topazos] (13c) 1 a: a mineral that is essentially a silicate of aluminum and usu. occurs in orthorhombic translucent or transparent crystals or in white translucent masses b: a usu. yellow to brownish yellow transparent mineral topaz used as a gem c: a yellow sapphire d: a yellow quartz
2: either of two large brilliantly colored So. American hummingbirds (Topaza pella and T. pyra)