topaza pyra

1 definition found

topaza pyra - Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48 :

  Topaz \To"paz\, n. [OE. topas, F. topaze, L. topazos, or
     topazion, a kind of precious stone, Gr. to`pazos, topa`zion;
     possibly akin to Skr. tap to glow (cf. Tepid). According to
     some, the name is from Topazos, a small island in the Red
     Sea, where the Romans obtained a stone which they called by
     this name, but which is the chrysolite of the moderns.]
     1. (Min.) A mineral occurring in rhombic prisms, generally
        yellowish and pellucid, also colorless, and of greenesh,
        bluish, or brownish shades. It sometimes occurs massive
        and opaque. It is a fluosilicate of alumina, and is used
        as a gem.
        [1913 Webster]
  
     2. (Zool.) Either one of two species of large, brilliantly
        colored humming birds of the genus Topaza (Topaza  pella
         or Topaza pyra), of South America and the West
        Indies.
        [1913 Webster]
  
     Note: The two tail feathers next to the central ones are much
           longer that the rest, curved, and crossed. The Throat
           is metallic yellowish-green, with a tint like topaz in
           the center, the belly is bright crimson, the back
           bright red. Called also topaz hummer.
           [1913 Webster]
  
     False topaz. (Min.) See the Note under Quartz.
        [1913 Webster]