I. ˈsaˌfī(ə)r, -fīə noun
( -s )
Etymology: Middle English saphir, safir, from Old French safir, from Latin sapphirus, from Greek sappheiros, from Hebrew sappīr, from Sanskrit śanipriya, literally, dear to the planet Saturn, from Śani (the planet) Saturn + priya dear — more at free
1.
a. : a precious stone of transparent rich blue corundum of great value
b.
(1) : a pure variety of corundum in transparent or translucent crystals used as gems
(2) : a gem from a corundum crystal
2.
a. : a variable color averaging a deep purplish blue that is bluer and deeper than hyacinth blue or Mazarine blue and stronger than cyanine blue (sense 1b)
b. : a dark blue that is greener than Peking blue, greener, lighter, and stronger than Japan blue, and greener and stronger than Flemish blue
3. : a hummingbird of the genus Hylocharis native to So. America and having a bright blue throat and breast
II. adjective
Etymology: Middle English saphir, from saphir, n., sapphire
1. : of or resembling sapphire
2. : of the color sapphire blue : sapphirine