Rubi

Part of speech: noun

Definitions

  1. A crystalline mineral composed of aluminum oxide with trace elements giving it a deep red color, highly valued as a gemstone used in jewelry ; a precious stone symbolizing passion and vitality, often believed to have protective and healing properties ; a red variety of corundum prized for its hardness and vibrant hue, commonly employed in ornamental and industrial applications
  2. A natural gemstone formed of aluminum oxide imparted with red tones by impurities, treasured in decorative and symbolic contexts ; a brightly colored mineral used in fine jewelry representing love and strength, also attributed with mystical or curative powers ; a red-hued variety of a durable mineral that serves both aesthetic and technical purposes in various crafts and industries
  3. A red-colored mineral crystal considered a valuable gem due to its hardness and vibrant shade, often used in personal adornment and cultural symbolism ; a commonly recognized precious stone linked to energy and protection myths, appreciated in both historical and modern contexts ; a robust red gem mostly utilized in ornamental design and sometimes in mechanical tools for its resistance and beauty

Etymology: The Japanese word "rubi" is a loanword from English "ruby", and its most interesting turn happens in the printing trade rather than in gemstones. In Japanese, ルビ names the small kana glosses printed beside kanji to show their pronunciation, the sense that English speakers would call ruby type. The name came from the British printing term for a small type size, which was called "ruby" in English because it was the size used for setting gemstone-like small text in print. Because the Japanese word was borrowed for that typographic meaning, it was applied to these reading aids before it came to name the red gem itself in ordinary Japanese use. The gemstone sense belongs to the English word's ordinary meaning, carried over with the rest of the borrowing. Japanese speakers therefore meet the word in two registers, a printing term and a jewel name.

Synonyms: ruby