Definition of Turquois
1. a greenish blue gem [n -ES]
Medical Definition of Turquois
1.
A hydrous phosphate of alumina containing a little copper; calaite. It has a blue, or bluish green, colour, and usually occurs in reniform masses with a botryoidal surface. [Formerly written also turcois, and turkois.
Turquoise is susceptible of a high polish, and when of a bright blue colour is much esteemed as a gem. The finest specimens come from Persia. It is also found in new Mexico and Arizona, and is regarded as identical with the chalchihuitl of the Mexicans.
Origin: F. Turquoise; cf. Pr. & Sp. Turquesa, It. Turchese, turchina, LL. Turchesius, turchina; so called because first brought from Turkey. See 1st Turkey.
Source: Websters Dictionary
(01 Mar 1998)
Lexicographical Neighbors of Turquois
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