Am"e*thyst (#), [F. ametiste, amatiste, F. am'ethyste, L. amethystus, fr. Gr. without drunkenness; as a noun, a remedy for drunkenness, the amethyst, supposed to have this power; 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.
© Webster 1913.