See Also: Herbal medicine (botanical medicine, herbology, phytomedicine)(health)
ruby(dictionary)
ruby(encyclopedia)
Ruby(medicine)
ruby(dictionary)
ruby spots(medicine)
Ruby, Jack(dictionary)
rose-a-ruby(dictionary)
balas ruby(medicine)
Ruby of Siam(tourism)

Ruby (medicine)


ruby


Origin: F. Rubis (cf. Pr. Robi), LL. Rubinus, robinus, fr. L. Rubeus = red, reddish, akin to ruber. See Rouge, red.

1. <chemical> A precious stone of a carmine red colour, sometimes verging to violet, or intermediate between carmine and hyacinth red. It is a red crystallized variety of corundum.

Besides the true or Oriental ruby above defined, there are the balas ruby, or ruby spinel, a red variety of spinel, and the rock ruby, a red variety of garnet. "Of rubies, sapphires, and pearles white." (Chaucer)

2. The colour of a ruby; carmine red; a red tint. "The natural ruby of your cheeks." (Shak)

3. That which has the colour of the ruby, as red wine. Hence, a red blain or carbuncle.

4. See Agate.

5. <ornithology> Any species of South American humming birds of the genus Clytolaema. The males have a ruby-coloured throat or breast.

<chemistry> Ruby of arsenic, Ruby of sulphur, red silver. See Red.

Source: Websters Dictionary