[ F. ametiste, amatiste, F. améthyste, L. amethystus, fr. Gr. &unr_; without drunkenness; as a noun, a remedy for drunkenness, the amethyst, supposed to have this power; 'a priv. + &unr_; to be drunken, &unr_; strong drink, wine. See Mead. ] [ 1913 Webster ]
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. [ 1913 Webster ]
Oriental amethyst, the violet-blue variety of transparent crystallized corundum or sapphire. [ 1913 Webster ]
2. (Her.) A purple color in a nobleman's escutcheon, or coat of arms. [ 1913 Webster ]