gem

[jem]

noun

1. a cut and polished precious stone or pearl fine enough for use in jewelry.

2. something likened to or prized as such a stone because of its beauty or worth.

   His painting was the gem of the collection.

   Synonyms: pearl, jewel, prize, treasure

3. a person held in great esteem or affection.

4. muffin.

5. British Printing.,  a 4-point type of a size between brilliant and diamond.

verb (used with object)

gemmed, gemming 

1. to adorn with or as with gems; begem.

adjective

1. Jewelry.,  noting perfection or very high quality.

   gem color; a gem ruby.

gem

/ dʒɛm /

noun

1. a precious or semiprecious stone used in jewellery as a decoration; jewel

2. a person or thing held to be a perfect example; treasure

3. a size of printer's type, approximately equal to 4 point

4. a type of small sweet cake

verb

1. (tr) to set or ornament with gems

Other Word Forms

• gemless adjective
• gemlike adjective
• gemmy adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of gem¹

1275–1325; Middle English gemme < Old French < Latin gemma bud, jewel; replacing Middle English yimme, Old English gim ( m ) < Latin

Word History and Origins

Origin of gem¹

C14: from Old French gemme, from Latin gemma bud, precious stone

Example Sentences

Speaking of debilitating nostalgia, this one might feel a bit out of place in this album’s universe, but it’s a heartrending gem nonetheless.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Using its superpower — the ability to identify patterns across millions of data points — AI can then find the hidden gems that match tastes in ways people wouldn’t have known to look for.

Read more on Salon

“So going to a Blockbuster and digging to discover these hidden gems was really exciting.”

Read more on Los Angeles Times

“Buckingham Nicks” is alive with hidden gems, especially Nicks’ sizzling opener “Crying in the Night” and accomplished rock turns in “Long Distance Winner” and “Races Are Run.”

Read more on Salon

India is a major exporter of goods, including garments, shrimp and gems and jewellery to the US, and the tariffs have already impacted production and livelihoods.

Read more on BBC

Related Words

• hardware 
• jewel 
• jewelry 
• masterpiece 
• ornament 
• stone