The word "emerald" generally refers to a precious green gemstone, but its spelling may prove challenging for some. It is pronounced /ˈɛmərəld/, with the stress on the first syllable. The word contains nine letters, with two vowels: "e" and "a". Two of these letters are "r", which can be tricky to distinguish from other similar sounds. Overall, even though the spelling of "emerald" may be complex, it remains a delightful word that garners attention and beauty.
Emerald is a noun that refers to a precious gemstone known for its vivid green color. It belongs to the beryl mineral family and derives its distinctive hue from trace amounts of chromium and sometimes vanadium.
The term "emerald" has wider connotations and is also used to describe objects, places, or even colors that resemble or are associated with the gemstone's distinctive green shade. Therefore, "emerald" can also be used as an adjective.
In its technical usage, an emerald is a transparent variety of beryl, valued for its intense green color, exceptional hardness, and rarity. It is widely sought and used for jewelry, often faceted to enhance its shine and clarity. The rich, deep green color of an emerald is highly regarded and has captivated humans for centuries, symbolizing beauty, luxury, and rebirth.
Furthermore, emeralds have been cherished in different cultures throughout history for their purported metaphysical properties. They are believed to possess qualities such as wisdom, protection, and growth, making them popular choices for talismans and amulets.
As an adjective, "emerald" denotes the color or qualities associated with the gemstone, particularly objects, landscapes, or eyes that exhibit a vibrant green shade reminiscent of the emerald gem. It can also describe an area of land covered with emerald green grass or foliage, emphasizing its lushness and vibrancy.
A precious stone of a deep green colour, the less brilliant varieties being known as beryls.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
* The statistics data for these misspellings percentages are collected from over 15,411,110 spell check sessions on www.spellchecker.net from Jan 2010 - Jun 2012.
The word "emerald" is derived from the Latin word "smaragdus", which was borrowed from the Greek word "smaragdos". The Greek term was originally used to refer to various precious green gemstones, not just emeralds specifically. The ancient Greeks believed that "smaragdos" came from the Semitic language Akkadian. The Akkadian word "barraqtu" meant "shine" or "flash", which was later adapted into "smaragdos" in Greek. Over time, "smaragdus" evolved into "emerald" in English.