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ruby

Origin: F. Rubis (cf. Pr. Robi), LL. Rubinus, robinus, fr. L. Rubeus = red, reddish, akin to ruber. See Rouge, red.

1. (Science: chemical) A precious stone of a carmine red colour, sometimes verging to violet, or intermediate between carmine and hyacinth red. It is a red crystallized variety of corundum.

Besides the true or oriental ruby above defined, there are the balas ruby, or ruby spinel, a red variety of spinel, and the rock ruby, a red variety of garnet. Of rubies, sapphires, and pearles white. (Chaucer)

2. The colour of a ruby; carmine red; a red tint. The natural ruby of your cheeks. (Shak)

3. That which has the colour of the ruby, as red wine. Hence, a red blain or carbuncle.

4. See agate.

5. (Science: ornithology) Any species of south American humming birds of the genus Clytolaema. The males have a ruby-coloured throat or breast.

(Science: chemistry) Ruby of arsenic, Ruby of sulphur, red silver. See Red.