View synonyms for gem

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

“Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged” 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

verb

  1. (tr) to set or ornament with gems

“Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged” 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
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Other Word Forms

  • gemmy adjective
  • gemlike adjective
  • gemless adjective
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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
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Word History and Origins

Origin of gem1

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

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

One elected politician arguing the alternative case predicted a "wee gem" of a debate where the leadership would need to work harder than usual to get their way.

Read more on BBC

To him we are indebted for such gems as “Launch was awesome!!” and “Listening to Sting on my ipod.”

It sprawls 90 miles along the Pacific Coast, encompassing gems such as Baker Beach.

“Not only does this eliminate the stress and unpredictability of navigating airport disruptions, but it also opens up opportunities to discover hidden gems in your own region,” he said.

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India exports about $10 billion a year of gems and jewelry to the U.S., according to the Global Trade Research Initiative, and processes most of the world’s rough diamonds.

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