5. (Zoöl.) Any species of South American humming birds of the genus
Clytolæma. The males have a ruby-colored throat or breast.
Ruby of arsenic, Ruby of sulphur (Chem.), a glassy substance of a red
color and a variable composition, but always consisting chiefly of the
disulphide of arsenic; -- called also ruby sulphur. -- Ruby of zinc
(Min.), zinc sulphide; the mineral zinc blende or sphalerite. -- Ruby
silver (Min.), red silver. See under Red.
Ru"by, a. Ruby-colored; red; as, ruby lips.
Ru"by, v. t. [imp. & p. p. Rubied (?); p. pr. & vb. n. Rubying.] To
make red; to redden. [R.] Pope.
Ru"by*tail` (?), n. (Zoöl.) A European gold wasp (Chrysis ignita) which
has the under side of the abdomen bright red, and the other parts deep
bluish green with a metallic luster. The larva is parasitic in the
nests of other wasps and of bees.
Ru"by-tailed` (?), a. Having the tail, or lower part of the body,
bright red.
Ru"by*throat` (?), n. (Zoöl.) Any one of numerous species of humming
birds belonging to Trochilus, Calypte, Stellula, and allies, in which
the male has on the throat a brilliant patch of red feathers having
metallic reflections; esp., the common humming bird of the Eastern
United States (Trochilus colubris).
Ru"by*wood` (?), n. red sandalwood. See under Sandalwood.
Ru*cer"vine (?), a. [NL. Rucervus, the genus, fr. NL. Rusa a certain
genus of deer (Malay r&?;sa deer) + Cervus.] (Zoöl.) Of, like, or
pertaining to, a deer of the genus Rucervus, which includes the swamp
deer of India.
Ruche (?), n. [F. ruche ruche, beehive, OF. rusche a beehive, which was
formerly made of the bark of trees; cf. W. rhisg, rhisgl, bark, gael.
rusg bark, rind.] 1. A plaited, quilled, or goffered strip of lace,
net, ribbon, or other material, -- used in place of collars or cuffs,
and as a trimming for women's dresses and bonnets. [Written also
rouche.]