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Webster's Dictionary (1865)

2 entries under this word

Gem

Gēm, n.

noun

n. [Lat. gemma, Fr. gemme, gème, Pr. & It. gemma, Sp. yema, Pg. gomo, gemma.]

Sense 1. (Bot.) A bud.

From the joints of thy prolific stem A swelling knot is raised called a gem. Dryden.

Sense 2. A precious stone of any kind, as the ruby, topaz, emerald, &c., especially when cut and polished for ornament; a jewel. “Sparkling orient gems.” Milton.

Artificial gems, flint glass colored with metallic oxides to resemble gems.

Gĕm, v. t.

verbtransitive

v. t. [imp. & p. p. GEMMED; p. pr. & vb. n. GEMMING.]

  1. To adorn with gems or precious stones.
  2. To embellish or adorn, as with gems; as, a foliage gemmed with dewdrops.

England is . . . gemmed with castles and palaces. W. Irving. 3. To put forth in buds. [Rare.] Milton.