From Old French grenat 'dark red,' from medieval Latin granatum 'pomegranate' — the gemstone was named for its resemblance to the deep red seeds of the pomegranate fruit.
A hard silicate mineral occurring in various colors, especially deep red, used as a gemstone and as an abrasive.
From Old French grenat (originally an adjective meaning 'dark red'), from medieval Latin granatum, meaning 'pomegranate,' from Latin granatum (pomum granatum 'seeded apple'). The gemstone was named for its resemblance in color to the seeds of a pomegranate. The word is thus etymologically identical to grenade and pomegranate — all three derive from Latin granum 'seed.' Key roots: *grh2nom (Proto-Indo-European: "grain, seed").