rhinestone

(rīnˈstōnˌ)

noun

Related Forms:

• rhineˈstonedˌ adjective

Word History: Although rhinestones are inseparably associated with the costumes of country and western singers and Las Vegas dancers, the word originally had European associations. The Rhine in rhinestone is the Rhine River, and rhinestone is a translation into English of the French phrase caillou du Rhin. Originally a rhinestone was a kind of rock crystal that was found in or near the Rhine. Other types of rock crystal, such as Cornish diamond, were given similar fancy names. Because rhinestones could be made to imitate diamonds, the name rhinestone was applied to artificial gems made from paste, glass, or gem quartz and as a result often carries a connotation of showbiz glitz.