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Amethyst

1. (Science: chemical) a variety of crystallized quartz, of a purple or bluish violet colour, of different shades. It is much used as a jeweler's stone. Oriental amethyst, the violet-blue variety of transparent crystallized corundum or sapphire.

2. A purple colour in a nobleman's escutcheon, or coat of arms.

Origin: f. Ametiste, amatiste, f. Amethyste, L. Amethystus, fr. Gr. Without drunkenness; as a noun, a remedy for drunkenness, the amethyst, supposed to have this power; priv. _ to be drunken, strong drink, wine. See mead.