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

• gemmy adjective
• gemlike adjective
• gemless 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

Related Words

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