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Webster 1913 Edition

Gem

Gem

,
Noun.
[OE.
gemme
precious stone, F.
gemme
, fr. L.
gemma
a precious stone, bud.]
1.
(Bot.)
A bud.
From the joints of thy prolific stem
A swelling knot is raised called a
gem
.
Denham.
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.
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
.

Gem

Verb.
T.
[
imp. & p. p.
Gemmed
;
p. pr. & vb. n.
Gemming
]
1.
To put forth in the form of buds.
“Gemmed their blossoms.”
[R.]
Milton.
2.
To adorn with gems or precious stones.
3.
To embellish or adorn, as with gems;
as, a foliage
gemmed
with dewdrops
.
England is . . .
gemmed
with castles and palaces.
W. Irving.

Webster 1828 Edition

Gem

GEM

,
Noun.
[L. gemma.]
1.
A bud. In botany, the bud or compendium of a plant, covered with scales to protect the rudiments from the cold of winter and other injuries; called the hybernacle or winter quarters of a plant.
2.
A precious stone of any kind, as the ruby, topaz, emerald, &c.

GEM

,
Verb.
T.
To adorn with gems, jewels or precious stones.
1.
To bespangle; as foliage gemmed with dew drops.
2.
To embellish with detached beauties.
England is studded and gemmed with castles and palaces.

GEM

,
Verb.
I.
To bud; to germinate.

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