garnet
UK[ˈɡɑːnɪt]US[ˈɡɑːrnɪt]
n
a hard, dark red stone used in jewellery
n
a dark red colour
Etymology
the word "garnet" traces its lineage to the latin word "granatum," meaning pomegranate, a fruit known for its deep red, seed-like arils. this connection was made through old french "grenat," which described something of a pomegranate-red color. the term was then applied specifically to the similarly colored silicate mineral, solidifying its meaning in middle english. thus, the modern abstract meaning of a dark red gemstone is a direct metaphorical extension from the vivid red seeds of the pomegranate fruit.
Analysis
the word is a simplex loanword. it entered english from middle english 'gernet', via old french 'grenat', from medieval latin 'granatum', meaning "pomegranate" or "of a dark red color".
Examples
her ring was set with a deep red garnet.
the evening sky turned a rich garnet as the sun set.
garnet is the traditional birthstone for the month of january.