GEM

gem. gem, a precious stone

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gem. Gem, n. a jewel, the first bud of a tree

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Gem (?), n. [[OE. gemme precious stone, F. gemme, fr. L. gemma a precious stone, bud.]] 1. 1. (Bot.) A bud.
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. Milton.
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.
Artificial gem, an imitation of a gem, made of glass colored with metallic oxide. Cf. Paste, and Strass.