jas·per (j s p r)n. An opaque cryptocrystalline variety of quartz that may be red, yellow, or brown. [Middle English jaspre, from Anglo-Norman, from Latin iaspis, iaspid-, from Greek iaspis, from Persian ya  m, yab, from Arabic yab; akin to Hebrew y pe, perhaps from blend of Akkadian yapu, chalcedony (sense uncertain) and Akkadian apû, jasper (perhaps of Sumerian origin).] |
jasper [ˈdʒæspə]
n
1. (Earth Sciences / Minerals) an opaque impure microcrystalline form of quartz, red, yellow, brown, or dark green in colour, used as a gemstone and for ornamental decoration
2. (Fine Arts & Visual Arts / Ceramics) Also called jasper ware a dense hard stoneware, invented in 1775 by Wedgwood, capable of being stained throughout its substance with metallic oxides and used as background for applied classical decoration
[from Old French jaspe, from Latin jaspis, from Greek iaspis, of Semitic origin; related to Assyrian ashpū, Arabic yashb, Hebrew yāshpheh]
| jasper (jspr) A reddish, brown, or yellow variety of chert. Jasper usually occurs in association with iron ores and contains iron impurities that give it its color. |
ThesaurusLegend: Synonyms Related Words Antonyms
| Noun | 1. |  jasper - an opaque form of quartz; red or yellow or brown or dark green in color; used for ornamentation or as a gemstoneopaque gem - a gemstone that is opaque |
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