Lapidary
/ˈlæp.ɪˌdɛə.ri/noun
Relating to engraved stones or gemstones, or to the art of cutting and polishing them.
Did you know?Lapidary comes from Latin *lapidarius* (“of stone”), from *lapis* (“stone”), the same root behind the old prestige of carved gems, seals, and talismans.
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Indo-European
PIE
*lepe-
“A root associated with stone or slab-like hardness.”
Latin
Latin
lapis
“Stone; a rock or stone object.”
Latin
Latin
lapidarius
“Of stone; stone-worker; stone-cutter.”
Old French
OF
lapidaire
“A lapidary; one who deals in gemstones or engraved stones.”
Middle English
English
lapidarie
“Relating to precious stones or the art of working them.”
Modern English
English
lapidary
“Relating to engraved stones, gems, or the art of cutting and polishing them.”
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