cabochon

[ kab-uh-shon; French ka-baw-shawn ]

noun

, plural cab·o·chons [kab, -, uh, -shonz, k, a, -baw-, shawn].

1. a precious stone of convex hemispherical or oval form, polished but not cut into facets.
2. an ornamental motif resembling this, either concave or convex and often surrounded by ornately carved leaf patterns, used on furniture of the 18th century.

adverb

1. in the form of a cabochon:

   a turquoise cut cabochon.

adjective

1. being cut cabochon:

   cabochon gems.

cabochon

/ ˈkæbəˌʃɒn; kabɔʃɔ̃ /

noun

1. a smooth domed gem, polished but unfaceted

Word History and Origins

Origin of cabochon¹

1570–80; < Middle French, equivalent to caboche head ( cabbage ¹ ) + -on diminutive suffix

Word History and Origins

Origin of cabochon¹

C16: from Old French, from Old Norman French caboche head; see cabbage ¹

Example Sentences

He peered at the brooch, which represented a bunch of grapes in small cabochon amethysts and leaves of green enamel.

From Project Gutenberg

And there was a pendant, a star of diamonds with a great cabochon sapphire—Mademoiselle's beloved jewel!

From Project Gutenberg

Each was a flat star of gray metal in which was set a large oval, cabochon-cut jewel.

From Project Gutenberg

The first three and the last are cabochon cut, elliptical in contour with flat bottoms.

From Project Gutenberg

Design a built-up ring using an elliptical cabochon cut stone as the point of concentration.

From Project Gutenberg