I. ˈrübē, -bi noun
( -es )
Etymology: Middle English, from Middle French rubi, from Old French, irregular from Latin rubeus red, reddish; akin to Latin ruber red — more at red
1.
a.
(1) : a precious stone that is a red corundum and is found especially in Burma, Ceylon, and Thailand — see ruby spinel
(2) obsolete : any of various precious stones of red color
b. : something made of ruby ; especially : a watch bearing, pin, roller, or other part made of ruby or of a substitute material
2.
a.
(1) or ruby red : the color of the ruby : a dark red that is bluer, lighter, and stronger than average garnet or average wine and less strong and very slightly yellower than cranberry
(2) of textiles : a deep purplish red that is redder and paler than magenta (sense 2a) and bluer and slightly lighter than American beauty
b.
(1) : something resembling a ruby in color
(2) : ruby glass
3. Britain : agate 4
4. : a Brazilian hummingbird of the genus Clytolaema whose male has a ruby-colored throat or breast
II. adjective
( -er/-est )
: of the color ruby
III. transitive verb
( -ed/-ing/-es )
Etymology: ruby (II)
: to make of the color ruby : redden