jade

UK: dʒeɪd | US: dʒeɪd

Definition
  1. n. 1. A hard, typically green stone used for ornaments or carvings.

  2. n. 2. A light bluish-green color.

  3. n. 3. (Archaic) A worn-out or disreputable woman (derogatory).

Structure

No data yet.

Etymology

The word "jade" entered English in the early 18th century from French "le jade," itself derived from Spanish "piedra de ijada" (literally "stone of the flank"), as it was believed to cure kidney ailments. The Spanish term traces back to Latin "ilia" (flank). The derogatory sense (archaic) emerged later, likening a worn-out person to the stone's toughness.

Examples
  1. She wore a delicate necklace made of jade.

  2. The artist mixed paints to capture the exact shade of jade.

  3. (Archaic) The novel portrayed the character as a jade, scorned by society.

  4. The museum displayed ancient jade artifacts from China.

  5. His eyes were an unusual jade green.