Word Direct Answers

What does "gem" mean?

Gem: A precious stone of any kind, as the ruby, emerald, topaz, sapphire, beryl, spinel, etc., especially when cut and polished for ornament; a jewel. Milton.

Additional senses

  1. 2.Anything of small size, or expressed within brief limits, which is regarded as a gem on account of its beauty or value, as a small picture, a verse of poetry, a witty or wise saying. Artificial gem, an imitation of a gem, made of glass colored with metallic oxide. Cf. Paste, and Strass.
  2. 3.To put forth in the form of buds. "Gemmed their blossoms." [R.] Milton.
  3. 4.To adorn with gems or precious stones.
  4. 5.To embellish or adorn, as with gems; as, a foliage gemmed with dewdrops. England is . . . gemmed with castles and palaces. W. Irving.

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