[lap-i-der-ee] 
noun, plural -dar⋅ies, adjective | 1. | Also, lap⋅i⋅dist [lap-i-dist] . a worker who cuts, polishes, and engraves precious stones. |
| 2. | Also, la⋅pid⋅ar⋅ist [luh-pid-er-ist] . an expert in precious stones and the art or techniques used in cutting and engraving them. |
| 3. | the art of cutting, polishing, and engraving precious stones. |
| 4. | an old book on the lore of gems. |
[lap-i-dair-ee-uh
n] . | 5. | of or pertaining to the cutting or engraving of precious stones. |
| 6. | characterized by an exactitude and extreme refinement that suggests gem cutting: a lapidary style; lapidary verse. |
| 7. | of, pertaining to, or suggestive of inscriptions on stone monuments. |
| lap·i·dar·y (lāp'ĭ-děr'ē) n. pl. lap·i·dar·ies
[Middle English lapidarie, from Old French lapidaire, from Latin lapidārius, from lapis, lapid-, stone.] |