ruby

Reading level: hard

Estimated CEFR level: B2 — Upper-Intermediate

Estimated from word frequency; not an official CEFR classification.

Definition

  1. noun a transparent piece of ruby that has been cut and polished and is valued as a precious gem
  2. noun a transparent deep red variety of corundum; used as a gemstone and in lasers
  3. noun a deep and vivid red color

Etymology

From Middle English ruby, rube, from Old French rubi, from Medieval Latin rubīnus. Doublet of rubi and rubine. Sense 7 (“pronunciation guide”) is from the British 5½-point type size (sense 6), used for annotations in printed documents.

In classic literature

A single word — an entire dictionary opens.

Type a word, a sentence, a book title, or a link to an English article. WordNet and the Classics answer.

Try

A library of classics · a vault of words · instant etymology & meaning

Continue reading