noun
topaz
TOH-paz
Topaz (noun) means a hard mineral often used as a gemstone, typically yellowish-brown but found in other colours too. Example: “Her ring was set with a large blue topaz.”
noun
1
A hard mineral often used as a gemstone, typically yellowish-brown but found in other colours too.
"Her ring was set with a large blue topaz."
2
A yellowish-brown colour, like that of the gemstone.
"The walls were painted a warm topaz shade."
"Although there are dozens of different types of gems, among the best known and most important are diamond, ruby and sapphire, emerald and other gem forms of the mineral beryl, chrysoberyl, tanzanite, tsavorite, topaz and jade."
— Lee A. Groat, Gemstones (2012)
How to use topaz
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA gemstone, usually golden-brown, or the colour named after it.
Common pairings
blue topaz
topaz ring
topaz-coloured
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Word forms
- Plural
- topazes
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
Her ring was set with a large blue _____.
Etymology
From Old French topace, ultimately from Ancient Greek tópazos, the name of the gemstone.
Synonyms
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Frequently asked questions
What does “topaz” mean?
The word “topaz” means a hard mineral often used as a gemstone, typically yellowish-brown but found in other colours too. In plain terms, a gemstone, usually golden-brown, or the colour named after it.
How do you pronounce “topaz”?
“Topaz” is pronounced TOH-paz (/ˈtoʊˌpæz/ in IPA).
How do you use “topaz” in a sentence?
Here is “topaz” used in a sentence: “Her ring was set with a large blue topaz.”
What part of speech is “topaz”?
“Topaz” is a noun.
Where does the word “topaz” come from?
The word “topaz” comes from Ancient Greek. From Old French topace, ultimately from Ancient Greek tópazos, the name of the gemstone.
How many meanings does “topaz” have?
“Topaz” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a hard mineral often used as a gemstone, typically yellowish-brown but found in other colours too.
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