/ ˈdʒuːəl; NAmE / noun
1.
a precious stone such as a diamond, ruby , etc.
SYN gem
2.
[ usually pl. ] pieces of jewellery or decorative objects that contain precious stones :
The family jewels are locked away in a safe.
—see also crown jewels
3.
a small precious stone or piece of special glass that is used in the machinery of a watch
4.
( informal ) a person or thing that is very important or valuable
—compare gem
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IDIOMS
- the jewel in the crown
••
WORD ORIGIN
Middle English : from Old French joel , from jeu game, play, from Latin jocus jest.