Am″e‐thyst (�), [F. ametiste, amatiste, F. améthyste, L. amethystus, fr. Gr. � without drunkenness; as a noun, a remedy for drunkenness, the amethyst, supposed to have this power; ἀ priv. + � to be drunken, � strong drink, wine. See Mead.]
1. (Min.) A variety of crystallized quartz, of a purple or bluish violet color, of different shades. It is much used as a jeweler's stone.
Oriental amethyst, the violet-blue variety of transparent crystallized corundum or sapphire.
2. (Her.) A purple color in a nobleman's escutcheon, or coat of arms.