hyacinth Definition

hyacinth
noun

1. A plant of the lily family, which grows from a bulb, and has sweet-smelling clusters of purple, pink or white flowers.
2. See jacinth 2.
3. In the ancient world: a blue gemstone, perhaps a sapphire.

Derivative: hyacinthine
adj

Having the colour of a hyacinth.

Etymology: 16c: named after Greek Hyakinthos, in Greek mythology a youth from whose blood a blue flower sprang when he was killed by Apollo.