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(), n.[OE. gemme precious stone, F. gemme, fr. L. gemma a precious stone, bud.] 1. (Bot.) A bud. From the joints of thy prolific stem A swelling knot is raised called a gem. Denham. 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. 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. Artificial gem, an imitation of a gem, made of glass colored with metallic oxide. Cf. Paste, and Strass. Gem v. t.[imp. & p. p.Gemmed (); p. pr. & vb. n.Gemming] 1. To put forth in the form of buds. "Gemmed their blossoms." [R.] Milton. 2. To adorn with gems or precious stones. 3. To embellish or adorn, as with gems; as, a foliage gemmed with dewdrops. England is . . . gemmed with castles and palaces. W. Irving. スポンサード リンク
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