n., pl., -bies.
- A deep red, translucent variety of the mineral corundum, highly valued as a precious stone.
- Something, such as a watch bearing, that is made from a ruby.
- A dark or deep red to deep purplish red.
Of the color ruby.
[Middle English, from Old French rubi, from Medieval Latin rubīnus (lapis), red (stone), ruby, from Latin rubeus, red.]
The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition Copyright © 2007, 2000 by Houghton Mifflin Company. Updated in 2009. Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.
