Gem /(?)/

Gem

n.
  1. A bud. (Bot.)
    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.

Phrases & Compounds

Artificial gem
an imitation of a gem, made of glass colored with metallic oxide. Cf. Paste, and Strass.

Gem

v. t.

imp. & p. p. Gemmed; p. pr. & vb. n. Gemming

  1. To put forth in the form of buds. [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.