gem´like´

gem «jehm», noun, verb, gemmed, gem|ming.

–n.

1. a precious or semiprecious stone, especially when cut and polished for ornament; jewel. Diamonds and rubies are gems. One beautiful gem, the pearl, is not a stone, but is obtained from a mollusk.

2. Figurative. a person or thing that is very beautiful or precious: »

The gem of his collection was a rare Italian stamp. ... they have made me appreciate the gems of English literature (Graham Greene).

SYNONYM(S): pearl.

3. a kind of muffin made of coarse flour: »

graham gems.

4. Printing. a size of type (4 point).

–v.t.

1. to set or adorn with gems: »

Figurative. Stars gem the sky.

2. to extract gems from; search for gems in: »

The Government could have no objections to grant the right to gem the whole river (Ceylon Observer).

3. Obsolete. to put forth in buds: »

The stately trees…gemm'd Their blossoms (Milton).

╂[< Old French gemme, learned borrowing from Latin gemma gem, bud]

–gem´like´, adjective.

GEM (no periods),

ground effect machine.