Jade

Pronunciation

• IPA: /d​͡ʒeɪd/
• Rhymes: -eɪd

From French le jade, error for earlier l'ejade ("jade"), from Spanish piedra de ijada ("flank stone"), via Vulgar Latin *iliata from Latin ilia ("flank") (Jade was thought to cure pains in the side.).

Online Etymology Dictionary|jade

Full definition of jade

Noun

1. (gem)(uncountable) A semiprecious stone either nephrite or jadeite, generally green or white in color, often used for carving figurines.
• 2012-03, Lee A. Groat, Gemstones, Although there are dozens of different types of gems, among the best known and most important are diamond, ruby and sapphire, emerald and other gem forms of the mineral beryl, chrysoberyl, tanzanite, tsavorite, topaz and jade.
2. A bright shade of slightly bluish or greyish green, typical of polished jade stones.

Derived terms

Adjective

1. Of a grayish shade of green, typical of jade stones.

From Middle English, perhaps from Old Norse jalda ("mare"), which is from , related to Mordvin al'd'a.

.

Noun

1. A horse too old to be put to work.
2. A woman, especially in contempt.
• 1598, w, w:Much Ado About Nothing, You always end with a jade’s trick: I know you of old.

Verb

1. To tire, weary or fatigue
• John LockeThe mind, once jaded by an attempt above its power, ... checks at any vigorous undertaking ever after.
2. (obsolete) To treat like a jade; to spurn.
3. (obsolete) To make ridiculous and contemptible.
• ShakespeareI do now fool myself, to let imagination jade me.

Synonyms

Derived terms

• jaded