jewel
jewel Lexical Profile
jewel Game Scores & Validity
• noun
A precious stone, typically a single crystal or piece of a hard mineral, cut and polished for ornament.
"The museum exhibited a spectacular crown adorned with a sapphire jewel the size of an egg."
A highly valued or treasured person, thing, or outstanding example of something.
"The newly hired assistant proved to be an absolute jewel during the busy holiday season."
A small bearing made of a natural or synthetic precious stone, used in delicate instruments like mechanical watches to reduce friction.
"This vintage automatic watch movement contains twenty-one jewels to ensure smooth operation."
• verb
To adorn or set with jewels or gem-like ornaments.
"The artisans decided to jewel the hilt of the ceremonial sword with rubies and emeralds."
Word Nuance & Usage
While often used interchangeably with 'gem', a 'jewel' typically refers to a precious stone that has been cut, polished, and often set into an ornament, whereas a 'gem' can refer to the unmounted or raw stone.
• Rhymes for jewel
• Nearby Words
Word Origin & Etymology
From Middle English 'juel', borrowed from Old French 'jouel' (modern 'joyau'). This likely derives from a Vulgar Latin diminutive of 'jocus' (jest, plaything) or 'gaudium' (joy).