Esmerald
/ˈɛs.mə.rəld/noun
An archaic or variant form of emerald, a green gemstone of the beryl family.
Did you know?The English word ultimately traces back to Greek smaragdos, a term for green gemstones that gave the world not just emerald, but also the ancient prestige of “green stone” in trade and lore.
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Indo-European
PIE
*sm̥r̥g-
“A proposed ancient root associated with brightness or sparkling green stone, reconstructed indirectly from later forms.”
Ancient Greek
Greek
σμάραγδος (smaragdos)
“A green gem, especially an emerald or similar bright green stone.”
Late Latin
Latin
smaragdus
“An emerald or green gemstone.”
Old French
Old French
esmeraude / esmeralde
“An emerald.”
Middle English
English
esmerald
“An archaic English form meaning an emerald.”
Modern English
English
emerald
“A green precious stone; also the color of its vivid green.”