gem

Definitions

1. 1.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.
2. 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.
3. 3.To put forth in the form of buds. "Gemmed their blossoms." [R.] Milton.
4. 4.To adorn with gems or precious stones.
5. 5.To embellish or adorn, as with gems; as, a foliage gemmed with dewdrops. England is . . . gemmed with castles and palaces. W. Irving.

Source: Webster's Unabridged Dictionary, 1913 edition (public domain, via GCIDE / Project Gutenberg).

Synonyms

Related questions

• What does "gem" mean?
• What is another word for "gem"?

Reverse-dictionary questions

Definition-first questions whose answer is gem.

• What is 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 called?
• What is to put forth in the form of buds. "Gemmed their blossoms." [R.] Milton called?
• What is to embellish or adorn, as with gems; as, a foliage gemmed with dewdrops. England is . . . gemmed with castles and palaces. W. Irving called?