ˈru:bɪ n.,
adj., & v. --n. (pl. -ies) 1 a rare
precious stone consisting of
corundum with a
colour varying
from deep crimson or
purple to pale rose. 2 a glowing purple-tinged
red colour. --adj. of
this colour. --v.tr. (-ies, -ied)
dye or
tinge ruby-colour. øruby
glass glass
coloured with oxides of copper,
iron, lead,
tin, etc. ruby-tail a
wasp, Chrysis ignita, with a ruby-coloured hinder
part. ruby
wedding the fortieth
anniversary of a wedding. [ME f. OF rubi f. med.L rubinus (lapis) red (stone), rel. to L rubeus red]