amber

Everyday

1. Amber is a hard, see-through, golden-yellow stone that formed from the sticky sap of ancient trees over millions of years. tree →
2. Amber is a warm orange-yellow colour, like honey. tree →
3. (UK, Ireland, Australia) The amber light is the middle traffic light between red and green that means «get ready to stop». tree →
4. (UK) An amber warning is a medium-level weather warning: be prepared, take care. tree →

In the lessons

In science and history, amber is famous because insects and plant bits were trapped inside it and preserved as fossils. In road safety lessons, amber means slow down and stop if it is safe; Americans usually call it the yellow light. In weather news, red is the highest warning and amber is the one below. Phrases: «trapped in amber», «amber light», «amber warning», «amber eyes».

Examples

• This piece of amber has a tiny fly trapped inside. tree →
• The lights turned amber, so Dad slowed down. tree →
• There is an amber warning for heavy snow tomorrow. tree →
• Her eyes were a warm amber colour. tree →
• Amber is fossilised tree resin, not a real stone made of minerals. tree →
• The street lamps gave off an amber glow. tree →
• On a pedestrian crossing, a flashing amber light means you may cross with care. tree →
• Scientists found a feather from a dinosaur in amber. tree →
• She wore a silk dress, golden bracelets, and large amber beads. tree →

Note

Uncountable as a material («made of amber»); countable as a light or warning. In the USA the traffic light is usually called «yellow». Myth: in films dinosaurs are cloned from blood in amber mosquitoes; scientists say that cannot really be done because DNA breaks down. Amber is also a girl's name (a name).