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sapphire

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sapphire

Main Entry:: sap·phire
Pronunciation:: \ˈsa-ˌfīr\
Function:: noun
Etymology:: Middle English safir, from Anglo-French, from Latin sapphirus, from Greek sappheiros, perhaps of Semitic origin; akin to Hebrew sappīr sapphire
Date:: 13th century

1 a: a gem variety of corundum in transparent or translucent crystals of a color other than red ; especially : one of a transparent rich blue b: a gem of such corundum2: a deep purplish-blue color

— sapphire adjective

Learn more about "sapphire" and related topics at Britannica.com

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