First Known Use: 14th century
Dictionary
1gem
noun \ˈjem\
: a valuable stone that has been cut and polished for use in jewelry
: something that is admired for its beauty or excellence
Full Definition of GEM
1
a : jewel b : a precious or sometimes semiprecious stone cut and polished for ornament
2
a : something prized especially for great beauty or perfection b : a highly prized or well-beloved person
3
: muffin
See gem defined for English-language learners
See gem defined for kids
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Origin of GEM
Middle English gemme, from Anglo-French, from Latin gemma bud, gem
2gem
verb
gemmedgem·ming
Definition of GEM
transitive verb
: to adorn with or as if with gems
First Known Use of GEM
1610
GEM
abbreviation
Definition of GEM
ground-effect machine
GEM Defined for Kids
gem
noun \ˈjem\
Definition of GEM for Kids
1
: a usually valuable stone cut and polished for jewelry
2
: something prized as being beautiful or perfect <The old house is a real gem.>
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