n. The clear rich-red variety of corundum. (See corundum.)n. A pure or somewhat crimson red color.n. Something resembling a ruby; a blain; a blotch; a carbuncle.n. In heraldry, the tincture red or gules, when blazoning is done by means of precious stones. See blazon, n., 2.n. In printing, a type smaller than nonpareil and larger than pearl, about the size of American agate, or 5½ points in the new system of sizes.n. In horology: Any variety of ruby used as jewels in watchmaking, as in the finest watches. Hence—n. The jewel of the roller of the balance-staff of a watch, irrespective of the material of which it is made. Compare jewel, n., 4.n. In ornithology: The red bird of paradise, Paradisea rubra or sanguinea.n. The ruby hummer, Clytolæma rubineus of Brazil, and some related humming-birds with ruby gorget.Of a color resembling that of the ruby; of a rich red color inclining toward crimson.To make red.n. In 1887, M. Frémy, with the aid of his preparateur, M. Verneuil, undertook new experiments on the crystallization of alumina, and had the satisfaction of obtaining very beautiful artificial rubies. Now M. Verneuil, today professor at the Museum, has discovered the method of producing the ruby artificially by melting a mixture of alumina and oxide of chrome at a constant temperature of several thousands of degrees, and in layers superposed from the outside to the inside, in order to prevent the production of cracks in the crystalline mass. This eminent chemist has succeeded in creating a magnificent ruby, weighing about 2,500 grams, and having a commercial value of about 3,000 francs. …n. The deepest red topaz which owes its color to heating, to the right degree, of the yellow Brazilian topaz. Further heating turns it pink, and still continued heating renders it colorless. See topaz.