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.

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.

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 — (O)F. gemme :- L. gemma bud, jewel; superseded the OE.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.

GEM

views updated May 14 2018

GEM • abbr. ground-effect machine.

Gem

views updated Jun 11 2018

Gem Astronomy Gemini
• (dʒɛm) Computing graphics environment manager