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gemstone

[jem-stohn]
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noun
  1. a precious or semiprecious stone that can be cut and polished for use as a gem.
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Origin of gemstone

before 1000; Middle English gimstone, Old English gimstān. See gem, stone
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2018

Examples from the Web for gemstone

Historical Examples

  • Articles on gemstone localities, identification, and history.

    Natural Gemstones

    Various

  • On its highest hill stood a vision of marble and gold–a fortress in gemstone–the Temple.

    The City of Delight

    Elizabeth Miller

British Dictionary definitions for gemstone

gemstone

noun
  1. a precious or semiprecious stone, esp one cut and polished for setting in jewelleryRelated adjective: lapidary
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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

Word Origin and History for gemstone

n.

Old English gimstan; see gem + stone (n.).

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Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2010 Douglas Harper