from
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48
Gem \Gem\, n. [OE. gemme precious stone, F. gemme, fr. L. gemma
a precious stone, bud.]
1. (Bot.) A bud.
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From the joints of thy prolific stem
A swelling knot is raised called a gem. --Denham.
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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. --Milton.
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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.
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{Artificial gem}, an imitation of a gem, made of glass
colored with metallic oxide. Cf. {Paste}, and {Strass}.
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