I. ˈem(ə)rəld noun
( -s )
Etymology: Middle English emeraude, emerallde, from Middle French esmeragde, esmeraude, esmeralde, from (assumed) Vulgar Latin smaragda, smaralda, from Latin smaragdus, from Greek smaragdos, maragdos, probably of Semitic origin; akin to Hebrew bāreqet emerald
1.
a. : a variety of beryl distinguished by a rich green color caused by the presence of chromium and highly prized as a gemstone
b. : any of various green gemstones (as synthetic corundum or demantoid) — used chiefly in combination
2. or emerald green
a. : a brilliant green that is the color of emerald green pigment — called also Mitis green, Vienna green
b. of textiles : a strong yellowish green approximating the color of the emerald — called also emeraude
c. : a variable color averaging a strong bluish green
3. Britain : minionette
4. : any of various tropical American hummingbirds more or less marked with emerald green
II. adjective
1. : brightly or richly green
the emerald fields of spring
sometimes : of the color emerald
an emerald scarf
2. of a mineral : gemmy and richly green in color
emerald spodumene
3. of a jewelry setting : square or rectangular — compare emerald cut