hyacinth

(hī′ə sint̸h′)

noun

1. among the ancients, a blue gem, probably the sapphire
2. any of the reddish-orange or brownish varieties of zircon or certain other minerals, used as a semiprecious stone
1. any of a genus (Hyacinthus) of plants of the lily family, with narrow channeled leaves and spikes of fragrant, bell-shaped flowers in white, yellow, red, blue, or purple
2. the bulb of any of these plants
3. the flower
a bluish purple

Origin: L hyacinthus < Gr hyakinthos, wild hyacinth, bluebell, blue larkspur, hence a blue gem

Related Forms:

See hyacinth in American Heritage Dictionary 4

noun

a. A bulbous Mediterranean plant (Hyacinthus orientalis) having narrow leaves and a terminal raceme of variously colored, usually fragrant flowers, with a funnel-shaped perianth. Also called jacinth.
b. Any of several similar or related plants, such as the grape hyacinth.
Greek Mythology A plant, perhaps the larkspur, gladiolus, or iris, that sprang from the blood of the slain Hyacinthus.
A deep purplish blue to vivid violet.
a. A reddish or cinnamon-colored variety of transparent zircon, used as a gemstone.
b. A blue precious stone, perhaps the sapphire, known in antiquity.

Origin:

Origin: Latin hyacinthus

Origin: , from Greek huakinthos, wild hyacinth

Related Forms: