Silvers

Part of speech: noun, verb

Definitions

1. The precious metals commonly associated with a shiny, reflective appearance which can be used in jewelry, coins, and other decorative items
2. A term describing the light grayish-white color reminiscent of polished metal, often used to denote elegance or quality in design
3. Referring to the plural form of a type of currency or specific articles made from or containing a high percentage of the metal silver, valued for its utility and rarity

Etymology: The plural "silvers" is simply "silver" in its countable sense, used for pieces or items made of the metal, such as spoons, dishes and cutlery. Its own history is the same as its singular, and that history is one of the more puzzling in English. The word came down through Middle English "silver" and "selver" from Old English "seolfor", which traces back to a Proto-Germanic form "*silubrą". Cognates appear across the Germanic languages, from Dutch "zilver" and German "Silber" to Icelandic "silfur", and similar-looking words turn up in the Baltic and Slavic languages, such as Lithuanian "sidabras". The deeper origin is unknown. The resemblance between Germanic, Baltic, Slavic and Celtic forms suggests an ancient common source, but that source has not been identified. Even more striking is that a similar-sounding word appears in Basque, "zilar", and in an ancient Berber form, which is a connection scholars have noted without being able to explain. For a metal that people have worked since antiquity, the name of silver remains a genuine mystery.

Synonyms: argent, silver-colored, silvery