gem
gem [gem gems gemmed gemming] BrE [dʒem] NAmE [dʒem] noun
1. (also less frequent gem·stone BrE [ˈdʒemstəʊn] ; NAmE [ˈdʒemstoʊn] )a ↑precious stone that has been cut and polished and is used in jewellery
Syn: ↑jewel, Syn: ↑precious stone
•a crown studded with gems
2. a person, place or thing that is especially good
•This picture is the gem (= the best) of the collection.
•a gem of a place
•She's a real gem!
compare ↑jewel
Word Origin:
Old English gim, from Latin gemma ‘bud, jewel’; influenced in Middle English by Old French gemme.
Example Bank:
•The second side of their new album contains some real gems.
•This is a gem of a show.
•a belt studded with priceless gems
•a millionairess dripping with gems and pearls
•architectural gems like York Minster
•architectural gems like the Taj Mahal
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