Jewel
/ˈdʒuː.əl/noun
A precious stone or gem, typically used in jewelry.
Did you know?The word 'jewel' comes from the Latin 'jocale', meaning 'plaything', hinting at how these treasures were once mere toys for the wealthy!
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Indo-European
PIE
*dʲewgʰ-
“to play, to be merry, or to rejoice.”
Latin
Latin
jocale
“a plaything or a trinket.”
Old French
Old French
juel
“a precious stone or ornament.”
Middle English
Middle English
jewel
“a gem or precious stone, often set in a piece of jewelry.”
Modern English
English
jewel
“a valuable ornament, especially one made from precious stones.”