garnet

noun

gar·​net ˈgär-nət How to pronounce garnet (audio)
1
: a brittle and more or less transparent usually red silicate mineral that has a vitreous luster, occurs mainly in crystals but also in massive form and in grains, is found commonly in gneiss and mica schist, and is used as a semiprecious stone and as an abrasive
2
: a variable color averaging a dark red
garnetiferous adjective

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The "Seedy" Origins of Garnet

The deep-red color of this gemstone reminded the French of a red-skinned fruit. In early French the fruit was called pomme grenate, which means “seedy apple.” This later became pomegranate in English. The early French word grenate, meaning “seedy,” is the source of the adjective grenat, meaning “red like a pomegranate.” This word was then used as a noun to refer to the deep-red gemstone. When borrowed into English, grenat became garnet.

Examples of garnet in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web This delicious Pinot Noir is deep garnet colored with aromas of red cherry, cinnamon, nutmeg, and candied orange peel. Mike Desimone and Jeff Jenssen, Robb Report, 12 Mar. 2024 The walls of the historical church feature intricate mosaics and the Pala d'Oro, a Byzantine altar is made from garnets, amethysts, sapphires, emeralds and hundreds of other precious gemstones. Gabriele Regalbuto, Fox News, 6 Mar. 2024 Deep garnet in the glass, this intriguing wine has aromas of bell pepper, black raspberry, and red plum with flavors of red cassis, black plum, and just a touch of forest floor in the complex finish. Mike Desimone and Jeff Jenssen, Robb Report, 22 Feb. 2024 Among the grave goods buried with the girl were an iron knife, a chatelaine (decorative belt), glass beads, gold and garnet pins, and most significantly, an ornate gold pectoral cross inlaid with garnets, now known as the Trumpington Cross. Jennifer Ouellette, Ars Technica, 23 June 2023 The Cambridge exhibit will also feature the Trumpington Cross and the gold and garnet pins found near the girl's neck, as well as the decorative headboard. Jennifer Ouellette, Ars Technica, 23 June 2023 Ashen purple, cloud blue, shiny deep garnet red, shiny deep blue, shiny fig, shiny grey Best Wool & Other Stories Long Fuzzy Wool Coat View On Stories.com Pros This stylish wool winter coat looks elegant enough to wear to dressier occasions or the office. Jessie Quinn, Peoplemag, 24 Jan. 2024 This necklace with an infinity pendant sends a lovely message about everlasting love and the sale on these garnet earrings is significant. Buy Side Staff, wsj.com, 10 Jan. 2024 Miranda, in her garnet dress, seamlessly transitioned into an appearance on BBC. The Styles Desk, New York Times, 24 Aug. 2023

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'garnet.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

Middle English gernet, garnet, granat, borrowed from Anglo-French gernete, grenat, noun derivative of grenat "ruby-colored, red," probably after pome garnate pomegranate, with garnate taken to mean "red"

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of garnet was in the 14th century

Dictionary Entries Near garnet

Cite this Entry

“Garnet.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/garnet. Accessed 28 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

garnet

noun
gar·​net ˈgär-nət How to pronounce garnet (audio)
1
: a transparent usually red mineral used as a gem or for grinding, smoothing, or polishing
2
: a deep red color
Etymology

Middle English gernet "garnet," from early French gernete (same meaning), from gernet (adjective) "red like a pomegranate," from pomme gernete "pomegranate," literally, "seedy apple"; pomme from earlier pome "apple" and gernete derived from Latin granum "grain, seed" — related to grain, grenade, pomegranate

Word Origin
The garnet owes its name to its color. The deep red color of a garnet reminded the French of a red-skinned fruit. In early French the fruit was called pomme gernete, which means "seedy apple." This later became pomegranate in English. The early French word gernete, meaning "seedy," is the source of the adjective gernet, meaning "red like a pomegranate." This word was then used as a noun to mean the red gemstone. When borrowed into English, gernet became garnet.

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