Gem
/dʒɛm/noun
A precious or semi-precious stone, especially when cut and polished.
Did you know?The word 'gem' is linked to the Latin 'gemma', meaning 'bud' or 'jewel', symbolizing the potential for beauty hidden within the earth.
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Indo-European
PIE
*gʲem-
“to be precious, to shine”
Latin
Latin
gemma
“bud, jewel, or a precious stone”
Old French
Old French
gemme
“gem, jewel, or precious stone”
Middle English
Middle English
gemme
“precious stone, jewel”
Modern English
English
gem
“a precious or semi-precious stone, typically cut and polished for use in jewelry.”
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