# amethyst

> English word · Noun · IPA /ˈæm.ə.θɪst/ · frequency rank #28,448

## Definitions
1. A transparent purple to violet variety of quartz with traces of manganese, used as a gemstone.
2. A purple colour.
3. The tincture purpure, when blazoning by precious stones.

## Etymology
From Middle English ametist, from Old French ametiste (French améthyste), from Ancient Greek ἀμέθυστος (améthustos, “not drunk”), from ἀ- (a-, “not”) + μεθύω (methúō, “I am drunk”), from μέθυ (méthu, “wine”).
The name was based on the ancient belief that amethyst gemstones could prevent intoxication. People in ancient Greece and Rome would wear amethyst or drink from cups made of amethyst to ward off the effects of alcohol.

## Common misspellings (13)
`aemthyst`, `amehtyst`, `amethhyst`, `amethsyt`, `amethysst`, `amethystt`, `amethyts`, `amethyyst`, `ametthyst`, `ametyhst`, `ammethyst`, `amtehyst`, `maethyst`

## Source
Compiled from Wiktionary via kaikki.org (CC BY-SA). Data vintage: 2026-05-06.
Canonical page: https://plainspell.com/en/word/amethyst