Hyacinth
/ˈhaɪ.ə.sɪnθ/noun
A fragrant flowering plant with dense spikes of colorful blossoms; also a pale violet-blue gemstone.
Did you know?The name Hyacinth entered English through Latin and French from Greek myth: Hyakinthos was a beautiful youth beloved by Apollo, and the flower was said to spring from his blood after his death.
Etymological Timeline
Ancient Greek
Greek
Ὑάκινθος (Hyákinthos)
“A mythic youth associated with the flower; also the flower itself and a dark reddish-purple color in some contexts.”
Latin
Latin
hyacinthus
“The hyacinth flower and the gemstone named for its color.”
Old French
Old French
jacinthe
“Hyacinth, the flower and the gemstone.”
Middle English
English
hyacinth
“The flowering plant, later also the gem.”
Modern English
English
hyacinth
“A bulbous spring-flowering plant, and a pale violet-blue gemstone.”
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