garnet [ME] The name for this jewel is found in similar forms in many European languages, but there is some doubt as to its origin. It probably comes via French from Latin granatum *pomegranate, from the resemblance of the stone to the jewel-like surround of a pomegranate seed. An alternative theory links it to the related Latin granum *grain, which in the Middle Ages could have a special meaning of the red dye cochineal, from the tiny seed-like insect bodies from which it was made. See also grenade.