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Emerald Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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emerald

[หˆษ›mษ™rษ™ld ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

precious gemstone

A bright green precious stone, consisting of a chromium-rich variety of beryl.

Synonyms

green gemstone, jade.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
emerald

Sometimes, 'emerald' can also be used as an adjective to describe a bright green color.

  • The hills were covered in emerald grass
  • Her eyes sparkled with an emerald gleam
green gemstone

This is a more general term that can refer to any gemstone that is green in color, not just emeralds. It is useful when the specific type of stone is not known or when referring to multiple types of green stones.

  • She showed me a collection of green gemstones, each one unique in its own way
  • He couldn't decide which green gemstone to choose for the ring
jade

This term refers to a different green stone, which can come in various shades of green and is commonly associated with East Asian art and jewelry. Jade is valued for its cultural significance and its use in carvings and ornaments.

  • The jade statue was a treasured family heirloom
  • They admired the craftsmanship of the jade bracelet

Examples of usage

  • The queen wore a stunning emerald necklace to the gala.
  • He gifted her a beautiful emerald ring for their anniversary.
Context #2 | Noun

color

A bright, vivid shade of green, resembling the color of the emerald gemstone.

Synonyms

green, jade green.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
emerald

The word 'emerald' can also be used poetically or descriptively to refer to a very green color, reminiscent of the gemstone. It's used to evoke a sense of richness and vividness in color.

  • The hills were blanketed with emerald grass.
  • He described the forest as an emerald sea.
green

The most general term of this group, 'green' can be used in a wide variety of contexts to describe anything that is green in color. It's not specific to any particular shade or context.

  • The leaves turned a vibrant green in the spring.
  • She painted her room a calming green.
jade green

'Jade green' is a descriptive term used to denote a specific shade of green that resembles the color of jade stone. It is often used in fashion, interior design, and descriptive writing.

  • Her dress was a beautiful jade green that complemented her complexion.
  • They chose a jade green palette for the living room to create a serene environment.

Examples of usage

  • The walls of the room were painted in a vibrant emerald hue.
  • The dress she wore was a lovely shade of emerald green.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

History

  • Emeralds have been used for thousands of years, dating back to ancient Egypt, where they were mined and adored by pharaohs as symbols of fertility and rebirth.
  • Legend states that Cleopatra favored emeralds and wore them to enhance her beauty and power.
  • During the Spanish Conquest, conquistadors found emeralds in South America, especially in Colombia, which is still famous for its high-quality stones.

Science

  • Emeralds are a variety of the mineral beryl and get their green color from traces of chromium and sometimes vanadium.
  • The hardest traditional gemstones are diamonds, sapphires, and rubies, but emeralds are softer, which makes them more prone to scratches and damage.
  • Emeralds can form beautiful inclusions, such as 'jardin', which refers to the natural characteristics within the stone resembling a garden.

Cultural Significance

  • In many cultures, emeralds are believed to bring good fortune, harmony, and love to their wearers.
  • In astrology, emeralds are considered the birthstone for May, symbolizing renewal and growth.
  • The color green and emerald are often associated with nature, freshness, and vitality, appearing in art and design globally.

Pop Culture

  • Emerald City in L. Frank Baum's 'The Wonderful Wizard of Oz' symbolizes hope and magic, where characters seek their dreams.
  • The famous Washington State team of athletes in the NFL is nicknamed 'The Emerald City Hawks', drawing on the gem's vibrant connection to Seattle.
  • Emeralds have appeared in various films and TV series, often representing wealth and luxury, such as in the character of the Wicked Witch of the West's green color.

Origin of 'emerald'

Main points about word origin

  • The word 'emerald' comes from the Old French 'esmeralde', which itself originates from the Latin 'smaragdus', meaning 'green gemstone'.
  • The ancient Greeks called it 'smaragdos', which translates simply to 'green stone'.
  • In many languages, the word for emerald is similar, like 'esmeralda' in Spanish and 'รฉmรฉraude' in French, showing the gem's universal appeal.

The word 'emerald' originated from the Latin word 'smaragdus', which came from the Greek word 'smaragdos'. Emeralds have been prized for their beauty and rarity for centuries, with ancient civilizations such as the Egyptians and Greeks valuing them highly. They have been used in jewelry and ornamental objects throughout history, symbolizing love, rebirth, and eternal youth.

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #16,342, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.