a deep red transparent precious variety of corundum: occurs naturally in Myanmar and Sri Lanka but is also synthesized. It is used as a gemstone, in lasers, and for bearings and rollers in watchmaking. Formula: Al2O3
2.
a.
the deep-red colour of a ruby
b.
(as adjective)
ruby lips
3.
a.
something resembling, made of, or containing a ruby
b.
(as modifier)
ruby necklace
4. (modifier)
denoting a fortieth anniversary
our ruby wedding
5.
(formerly) a size of printer's type approximately equal to 51⁄2 point
Derived forms
ruby-like (ˈruby-ˌlike)
adjective
Word origin
C14: from Old French rubi, from Latin rubeus reddish, from ruber red
Examples of 'rubies' in a sentence
rubies
The huge man wore a jewelled ring on each of his fingers, and his rainbow robe was studded with emeralds, rubies, and opals.
Zindell, David THE BROKEN GOD (2002)
The rubies from the famous Jagdalak mines were also part of the contract.
Shah, Idries KARA KUSH (2002)
I wouldn't have swapped them for rubies.
The Sun (2014)
He had rubies and emeralds and diamonds stuck all over him.
The Secret Garden (1911)
Gold is the most frequently found bogus item, then diamonds and rubies.
The Sun (2011)
Even their animals were adorned: rubies dripped from elephants' tusks; emeralds encircled horses' girths.
Times, Sunday Times (2009)
Experts confirmed the ring is 80 per cent gold and contains rubies and emeralds.
The Sun (2016)
Then there were cases of diamonds, rubies and emeralds.
Times, Sunday Times (2017)
If you are lucky enough to find one, their price should be above rubies.
Times, Sunday Times (2016)
Because redheads are as rare and beautiful as rubies.
Times, Sunday Times (2016)
All related terms of 'rubies'
ruby
A ruby is a dark red jewel .
agate
Agate is a very hard stone which is used to make jewellery .
bead-rubies
a N temperate liliaceous plant with small white bell-shaped flowers and small red berries
bead-ruby
a N temperate liliaceous plant with small white bell-shaped flowers and small red berries
star ruby
a ruby that resembles a starlike figure in reflected light because of its crystalline structure
balas
a red variety of spinel , used as a gemstone
balas ruby
a red variety of spinel , used as a gemstone
Colorado ruby
a fire-red form of garnet found in Colorado and other parts of North America
ruby spinel
a red transparent variety of spinel , used as a gemstone