D defs.my
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Entry 6 senses · 2 variants Webster, 1913

Gem

/jĕm/ · IPA /d͡ʒɛm/
01 n. A bud.
  1. 1.
    A bud.(Bot.)
    “From the joints of thy prolific stem A swelling knot is raised called a gem.” — Denham.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
Phrases & compounds
Artificial gem — an imitation of a gem, made of glass colored with metallic oxide. Cf. Paste, and Strass.
02 v. t. To put forth in the form of buds.
imp. & p. p. Gemmed; p. pr. & vb. n. Gemming
  1. 1.
    To put forth in the form of buds.[R.]
  2. 2.
    To adorn with gems or precious stones.
  3. 3.
    To embellish or adorn, as with gems; as, a foliage gemmed with dewdrops.
    “England is . . . gemmed with castles and palaces.” — W. Irving.