sapphires

Noun

sapphire (countable and uncountable, plural sapphires)

1. (countable) A clear deep blue variety of corundum, valued as a precious stone.
   • Although there are dozens of different types of gems, among the best known and most important are diamond, ruby and sapphire, emerald and other gem forms of the mineral beryl, chrysoberyl, tanzanite, tsavorite, topaz and jade.2012 March, Lee A. Groat, “Gemstones”, in American Scientist, volume 100, number 2, archived from the original on 14 Jun 2012, page 128
2. A white, yellow, or purple variety of corundum, either clear or translucent.
3. A deep blue colour.
4. Azure, when blazoning by precious stones.
   • Elgin. Topaz a Saltier and Chief Ruby, on a Canton Pearl a Lyon Rampant Saphyr, which last is their paternal Coat; […]1720, Francis Nichols, Rudiments of Honour, page 296
5. (countable) Any hummingbird in the genera Hylocharis and Chlorestes, as well as the rufous-throated sapphire, which is now in the genus Amazilia.
6. Any of the butterflies in the southern Asian lycaenid genus Heliophorus or the African lycaenid genus Iolaus.

See all 11 meanings of sapphire