ruby

 
Pronunciation: /ˈruːbi/

noun (plural rubies)

  • 1a precious stone consisting of corundum in colour varieties varying from deep crimson or purple to pale rose: a necklace of rubies [as modifier]: a ruby eternity ring
  • [mass noun] an intense purplish-red colour: [as modifier]: the rich ruby liquid [in combination]: this wine has a youthful ruby-red colour
  • 2 [mass noun] Printing an old type size equal to 5 1/ 2 points.

Origin:

Middle English: from Old French rubi, from medieval Latin rubinus, from the base of Latin rubeus 'red'