rhine·stone (r n st n )n. A colorless artificial gem of paste or glass, often with facets that sparkle in imitation of a diamond. [After the Rhine (translation of French caillou du Rhin : caillou, pebble + du, of the + Rhin, Rhine).] rhine stoned adj.Word History: Although rhinestones are inseparably associated with the costumes of country and western singers and Las Vegas dancers, the word originally had European associations. The Rhine in rhinestone is the Rhine River, and rhinestone is a translation into English of the French phrase caillou du Rhin. Originally a rhinestone was a kind of rock crystal that was found in or near the Rhine. Other types of rock crystal, such as Cornish diamond, were given similar fancy names. Because rhinestones could be made to imitate diamonds, the name rhinestone was applied to artificial gems made from paste, glass, or gem quartz and as a result often carries a connotation of showbiz glitz. |
rhinestone [ˈraɪnˌstəʊn]
n
(Clothing, Personal Arts & Crafts / Jewellery) an imitation gem made of paste
[translation of French caillou du Rhin, referring to Strasbourg, where such gems were made]
ThesaurusLegend: Synonyms Related Words Antonyms
| Noun | 1. | rhinestone - an imitation diamond made from rock crystal or glass or paste rock crystal, transparent quartz - a clear quartz used in making electronic and optical equipment |
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