GEM • FREE-TRANSLATOR.COM • Definition of Gem

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/dʒɛm/ Listen

noun

Gem n.

1.

(Bot.) A bud. "From the joints of thy prolific stem A swelling knot is raised called a gem."

2.

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

3.

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.

verb

Gem v. t. (past & past part. gemmed; pres. part. gemming)

1.

To put forth in the form of buds. "Gemmed their blossoms." (R.)

2.

To adorn with gems or precious stones.

3.

To embellish or adorn, as with gems; as, a foliage gemmed with dewdrops. "England is... gemmed with castles and palaces."

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Etymology of 'Gem'

Collaborative International Dictionary of English 0.48

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"Gem" Quotes from Famous Books

... grandeur of action anything heretofore portrayed either in story or in song. Whence came these qualities? They were the product of Southern chivalry, which two centuries had finally perfected. A chivalry which esteemed stainless honor as a priceless gem, and a knighthood which sought combat for honor's sake, generously yielding to an antagonist all possible advantage; the chivalry which taught Southern youth to esteem life as nothing when honor was at stake, a chivalry which taught that the highest, noblest, and most exalted privilege ...

— Modern Eloquence: Vol III, After-Dinner Speeches P-Z • Various

... sift the dry ingredients. Gradually add the milk, the egg well-beaten, and the melted butter. Bake in a hot oven in greased gem ...

— Ontario Teachers' Manuals: Household Science in Rural Schools • Ministry of Education Ontario

... much more, and there is the good company and the best information. In like manner, the scholar knows that the famed books contain, first and last, the best thoughts and facts. Now and then, by rarest luck, in some foolish Grub Street is the gem we want. But in the best circles is the best information. If you should transfer the amount of your reading day by day in the newspaper to the standard authors,—but who dare speak of ...

— The Atlantic Monthly, Vol. I., No. 3, January 1858 - A Magazine of Literature, Art, and Politics • Various

... down the hill," he said, "by 'The Cricketers,'" and remained watching. Thence his eyes wandered over the town to far away where the ships' lights shone, and the pier glowed—a little illuminated, facetted pavilion like a gem of yellow light. The moon in its first quarter hung over the westward hill, and the stars were ...

— The Invisible Man • H. G. Wells

... nine. Since then I have read through your letter with intense delight; and now in a quarter of an hour I must go to the railway for a country party with Grote. I hasten to thank you for this beautiful gem for my Introduction and for my whole book. You shall have the last word. Your treatise is the only one in the collection which extends beyond isolated types of speech and families, although it preserves throughout the scientific method of ...

— Chips From A German Workshop. Vol. III. • F. Max Mueller

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