/saf"euhr in, -euh reen', -euh ruyn'/ , adj.
1. consisting of sapphire; like sapphire, esp. in color.
n.
2. a pale-blue or greenish, usually granular mineral, a silicate of magnesium and aluminum.
3. a blue variety of spinel.
[ 1375-1425; late ME saphyryn ( sappheírinos like lapis lazuli (see SAPPHIRE, -INE 1 ); (def. 2) Saphirin ]