(Ezek. 1:4, 27; 8:2. Hebrews, hashmal, rendered by the LXX. elektron, and by the Vulgate electrum), a metal compounded of silver and gold. Some translate the word by "polished brass," others "fine brass," as in Revelation 1:15; 2:18. It was probably the mixture now called electrum. The word has no connection, however, with what is now called amber, which is a gummy substance, reckoned as belonging to the mineral kingdom though of vegetable origin, a fossil resin.

Noah Webster's New International Dictionary of the English Language

1. (n.) A yellowish translucent resin resembling copal, found as a fossil in alluvial soils, with beds of lignite, or on the seashore in many places. It takes a fine polish, and is used for pipe mouthpieces, beads, etc., and as a basis for a fine varnish. By friction, it becomes strongly electric.

2. (n.) Amber color, or anything amber-colored; a clear light yellow; as, the amber of the sky.

3. (n.) Ambergris.

4. (n.) The balsam, liquidambar.

5. (a.) Consisting of amber; made of amber.

6. (a.) Resembling amber, especially in color; amber-colored.

7. (v. t.) To scent or flavor with ambergris; as, ambered wine.

8. (v. t.) To preserve in amber; as, an ambered fly.