Ruby
/ˈruːbi/noun
A deep red precious gemstone, especially a red variety of corundum.
Did you know?The English word ruby ultimately comes from Latin *rubeus* (“red”), and medieval writers often treated red stones as symbols of blood, fire, and life-force.
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Indo-European
PIE
*reudh-
“to be red, ruddy”
Latin
Latin
rubeus
“red, ruddy”
Old French
Old French
rubi
“ruby, the red gemstone”
Middle English
English
rubie
“the ruby gemstone”
Modern English
English
ruby
“a deep red gemstone”