jasper

noun

jas·​per ˈja-spər How to pronounce jasper (audio)
1
: an opaque cryptocrystalline quartz of any of several colors
especially : green chalcedony
2
: colored stoneware with raised white decoration
3
: a blackish green
jaspery adjective

Examples of jasper in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Many pieces illustrate the ancient art of engraving on hardstones, such as onyx, sardonyx, cornelian, jasper and chalcedony. Anthony Demarco, Forbes, 6 Sep. 2024 Scorpio: Red Jasper Scorpios are notorious for their intensity, and their passion and depth would benefit greatly from the red jasper stone. Valerie Mesa, Peoplemag, 27 May 2024 No two are alike, each carved out of a unique stone that further illustrates the juice’s story (Casa Blanca uses howlite, Oro Verde uses green jasper, and Bombón uses strawberry quartz). Pia Velasco, Vogue, 13 Mar. 2024 Three types of diamonds—white, yellow and brown—are common in the region, as are gems like quartz, agate, garnet, amethyst and jasper, among others. Sarah Kuta, Smithsonian Magazine, 24 Jan. 2024 See all Example Sentences for jasper 

Word History

Etymology

Middle English jaspre, from Anglo-French jaspre, jaspe, from Latin jaspis, from Greek iaspis, of Semitic origin; akin to Hebrew yāshĕpheh jasper

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of jasper was in the 14th century

Dictionary Entries Near jasper

Cite this Entry

“Jasper.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/jasper. Accessed 1 Dec. 2024.

Kids Definition

jasper

noun
jas·​per ˈjas-pər How to pronounce jasper (audio)
: an opaque mineral that occurs in several colors and is used for making ornamental objects (as vases)
especially : green chalcedony
jaspery adjective

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