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topaz |
4 definitions found From Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913) [web1913]: Topaz \To"paz\, n. [OE. topas, F. topaze, L. topazos or topazion a kind of precious stone, Gr to`pazos, topa`zion; possibly akin to Skr. tap to glow (cf. {Tepid}). According to some the name is from Topazos a small island in the Red Sea, where the Romans obtained a stone which they called by this name but which is the chrysolite of the moderns.] 1. (Min.) A mineral occurring in rhombic prisms, generally yellowish and pellucid, also colorless, and of greenesh, bluish, or brownish shades. It sometimes occurs massive and opaque. It is a fluosilicate of alumina, and is used as a gem. 2. (Zo["o]l.)Either one of two species of large brilliantly colored humming birds of the {Topaza}, of South America and the West Indies. Note: The two tail feathers next to the central ones are much longer that the rest, curved, and crossed. The Throat is metallic yellowish-green, with a tint like topaz in the center, the belly is bright crimson, the back bright red. Called also {topaz hummer}. {False topaz}. (Min.) See the Note under {Quartz}. From WordNet r 1.6 [wn]: topaz n 1: a yellow quartz [syn: {false topaz}, {common topaz}] 2: a mineral (fluosilicate of aluminum) that occurs in crystals of various colors and is used as a gemstone 3: a light brown [syn: {tan}] From U.S. Gazetteer (1990) [gazetteer]: Topaz, CA Zip code(s): 96133 From Easton's 1897 Bible Dictionary [easton]: Topaz Heb. pitdah (Ezek. 28:13; Rev. 21:20), a golden yellow or green" stone brought from Cush or Ethiopia (Job 28:19). It was the second stone in the first row in the breastplate of the high priest, and had the name of Simeon inscribed on it (Ex. 28:17). It is probably the chrysolite of the moderns.
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