gem
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
gem
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 — (O)F. gemme :- L. gemma bud, jewel; superseded the OE.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.
So gemma (bot.) leaf-bud. XVIII. — L. gemmation (bot.) budding. XVIII. — F.
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