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Sard Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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sard

[sษ‘rd ]

Definition

Context #1 | Noun

type of fish

Sard refers to a small, schooling fish that is commonly found in the Mediterranean Sea and the Pacific Ocean. They are often used for human consumption, particularly canned, due to their oily nature and flavorful meat.

Synonyms

herring, mackerel, sardine.

Examples of usage

  • Sardines are often packed in oil.
  • I love to eat sard on crackers.
  • Sard fishing has been a tradition in coastal towns.
  • There are many recipes that include sard.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Historical Significance

  • In ancient Rome, sard was part of the official seal used by emperors, showcasing its importance.
  • Sard was commonly referenced in the Bible, where it was one of the stones in the breastplate of the high priest, symbolizing strength.
  • Throughout history, warriors believed wearing sard would ensure their protection and bring them luck in battle.

Cultural Significance

  • In some cultures, sard is thought to bring vitality and boost courage, often worn as a talisman.
  • This gemstone has appeared in various art forms, symbolizing love and protection in literature and poetry.
  • Many artisans favor sard for carving intricate designs due to its hardness and ability to hold detail well.

Collectibles and Market

  • Sard is part of the chalcedony family, which makes it sought after by collectors and jewelers alike.
  • Color variations and patterns in sard stones significantly influence their market value.
  • Rarely cut into shapes other than cabochon, sard stones even influence trends in the jewelry market.

Science and Geology

  • Sard is a variety of chalcedony, which is itself a form of quartz, made from silicon dioxide.
  • Its reddish-brown hue results from iron oxide impurities within its crystal structure.
  • Being durable, sard is often used in carving, indicating its practical applications and resilience.

Origin of 'sard'

Main points about word origin

  • The word 'sard' comes from the Latin 'sardius', which has roots in ancient Greek.
  • This gemstone's name is linked to the Persian city of Sardis, where it was originally found and discovered.
  • The term 'sard' has been used since the Ancient times to describe gemstones of this color.

The term 'sard' originates from the Latin 'sardina', which in turn comes from the Greek 'sardinฤ', a reference to the fish caught near the island of Sardinia. Sardinia's abundant sardines contributed to the name, which has been used in various languages. Over time, the word has come to encompass other small fish of similar characteristics within the family Clupeidae. Sardines have been a vital food source for centuries, playing a significant role in the diets of coastal communities worldwide. They are particularly noted for their high omega-3 fatty acid content and are often served in a variety of culinary forms, including grilled, pickled, or as the key ingredient in Mediterranean dishes.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #37,391, this word is encountered relatively rarely in everyday English. It might appear in literary works or specialized texts but isn't essential for general communication.