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gem definition

gem (jem)

noun

    1. a cut and polished gemstone or a pearl, used for ornamentation
    2. gemstone a fortune in uncut gems
  2. anything prized for its beauty and value, esp. if small and perfect of its kind
  3. a highly valued person
  4. ☆ a kind of muffin

Etymology: ME gemme < OFr < L gemma, a swelling, bud, precious stone < IE *ĝembhna < base *ĝembh-, to bite, tooth > comb

transitive verb gemmed, gemming gem′·ming

to adorn or set with or as with gems

Webster's New World College Dictionary Copyright © 2005 by Wiley Publishing, Inc., Cleveland, Ohio.
Used by arrangement with John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

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