— gemless , adj. — gemlike , adj.
/jem/ , n. , v. , gemmed, gemming , adj.
n.
1. a cut and polished precious stone or pearl fine enough for use in jewelry.
2. something likened to or prized as such a stone because of its beauty or worth: His painting was the gem of the collection.
3. a person held in great esteem or affection.
4. muffin (def. 1).
5. Print. Brit. a 4-point type of a size between brilliant and diamond.
v.t.
6. to adorn with or as with gems; begem.
adj.
7. Jewelry. noting perfection or very high quality: gem color; a gem ruby.
[ 1275-1325; ME gemme gemma bud, jewel; r. ME yimme, OE gim ( m ) ]
Syn. 2. treasure, prize, jewel, pearl.