gem

views updated Jun 11 2018

gem / jem/ • n. a precious or semiprecious stone, esp. when cut and polished or engraved. ∎ a person or thing considered to be outstandingly good or special in some respect: this architectural gem of a palace. ∎ used in names of some brilliantly colored hummingbirds, e.g., mountain gem.• v. (gemmed, gem·ming) [tr.] [usu. as adj.] (gemmed) rare decorate with or as with gems.DERIVATIVES: gem·like / -ˌlīk/ adj.

The Oxford Pocket Dictionary of Current English

gem

views updated May 23 2018

gem Any of about 100 minerals valued for their beauty, rarity and durability. Transparent stones, such as diamond, ruby, emerald and sapphire, are the most highly valued. Pearl, amber, and coral are gems of organic origin.

World Encyclopedia

gem

views updated May 29 2018

gem XIII. — (O)F. gemme :- L. gemma bud, jewel; superseded the OE. adoption of the L. word, viz. ġim(m), ME ʒimme.
So gemma (bot.) leaf-bud. XVIII. — L. gemmation (bot.) budding. XVIII. — F.

The Concise Oxford Dictionary of English Etymology T. F. HOAD

GEM

views updated May 14 2018

GEM • abbr. ground-effect machine.

The Oxford Pocket Dictionary of Current English

Gem

views updated Jun 11 2018

Gem Astronomy Gemini
• (dʒɛm) Computing graphics environment manager

The Oxford Dictionary of Abbreviations FRAN ALEXANDER , PETER BLAIR , JOHN DAINTITH , ALICE GRANDISON , VALERIE ILLINGWORTH , ELIZABETH MARTIN , ANNE STIBBS , JUDY PEARSALL , and SARA TULLOCH