turquoise

[ tur-koiz, -kwoiz ]

noun

1. Also turquois. an opaque mineral, a basic hydrous copper aluminum phosphate often containing a small amount of iron, sky-blue or greenish-blue in color, cut cabochon as a gem. Compare bone turquoise.
2. Also called turquoise blue. a greenish blue or bluish green.

turquoise

/ -kwɑːz; ˈtɜːkwɔɪz /

noun

1. a greenish-blue fine-grained secondary mineral consisting of hydrated copper aluminium phosphate. It occurs in igneous rocks rich in aluminium and is used as a gemstone. Formula: CuAl 6 (PO 4 ) 4 (OH) 8 .4H 2 O
2. 1. the colour of turquoise
   2. ( as adjective )

      a turquoise dress

turquoise

/ tûr′kwoiz′,-koiz′ /

1. A blue to bluish-green or yellowish-green triclinic mineral that occurs in reniform (kidney-shaped) masses with surfaces shaped like a bunch of grapes, especially in aluminum-rich igneous rocks such as trachyte. In its polished blue form it is prized as a gem. Chemical formula: CuAl 6 (PO 4 ) 4 (OH) 8 ·5H 2 O

Word History and Origins

Origin of turquoise¹

1350–1400; < French: Turkish (stone), equivalent to Turc Turk + -oise, feminine of -ois -ese; replacing Middle English turkeis < Middle French

Word History and Origins

Origin of turquoise¹

C14: from Old French turqueise Turkish (stone)

Example Sentences

“With the turquoise hair, I thought a monochromatic top would work brilliantly,” Snell says.

From Los Angeles Times

On the red carpet, she rocked a vintage Roberto Cavalli dress with a turquoise blue zebra print.

From BBC

The ornate turquoise and gold lobby, excellent customer service and plush accommodations with city views make it perfect for any special occasion.

From Salon

He wore a turquoise pendant and a hat that replaced the “C” in the Colorado flag with the Zia sun symbol from New Mexico’s flag.

From Los Angeles Times

The living room she sits in is filled with knick-knacks and family photos, amid a garish clash of of geometric beige wallpaper, turquoise walls and a patterned red carpet.

From BBC

Related Words

• aquamarine