Nearby Words
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.
3.
a person held in great esteem or affection.
4.
muffin (def. 1).
5.
British Printing. a 4-point type of a size between brilliant and diamond.
verb (used with object)
6.
to adorn with or as with gems; begem.
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Gemming
is always a great word to know.
So is ninnyhammer. Does it mean:
| a calculus or concretion found in the stomach or intestines of certain animals, esp. ruminants, formerly reputed to be an effective remedy for poison. |
| a fool or simpleton; ninny. |
adjective
7.
Jewelry. noting perfection or very high quality: gem color; a gem ruby.
Origin:
1275–1325; Middle English gemme < Old French < Latin gemma bud, jewel; replacing Middle English yimme, Old English gim(m) < Latin
1275–1325; Middle English gemme < Old French < Latin gemma bud, jewel; replacing Middle English yimme, Old English gim(m) < Latin
Related forms
gem·less, adjective
gem·like, adjective
Synonyms
2. treasure, prize, jewel, pearl.
2. treasure, prize, jewel, pearl.
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2012.
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Based on the Random House Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2012.
Cite This Source
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Link To gemming
Etymonline
Word Origin & History
gem
O.E. gim, from L. gemma "precious stone, jewel," originally "bud," from the root *gen- "to produce" (see genus).
Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2010 Douglas Harper
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