Meaning of gem in English

Table of contents
  1. Pronunciation
  2. Noun
    1. Etymology
    2. Definitions

  1. Pronunciation

    /dʒɛm/

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  1. Noun

    gem

    Etymology

    Old English gim, from Latin gemma‘bud, jewel’; influenced in Middle English by Old French gemme

    Definitions

    1. a crystalline rock that can be cut and polished for jewelry

    Examples

    • « he had the gem set in a ring for his wife »
    • « she had jewels made of all the rarest stones »
  2. 2. art highly prized for its beauty or perfection
  3. 3. a person who is a brilliant and precious as a piece of jewelry
  4. 4. a sweet quick bread baked in a cup-shaped pan
  5. 5. a precious or semiprecious stone incorporated into a piece of jewelry

    Derived terms

Famous quotes

  • « If instead of a gem, or even a flower, we should cast the gift of a loving thought into the heart of a friend, that would be giving as the angels give. »
    George MacDonald
  • « To burn always with this hard, gem-like flame, to maintain this ecstasy, is success in life. »
    Walter Pater

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