Gems

Part of speech: noun

Definitions

1. Precious stones, often refined and crafted, are sought after for their aesthetic appeal in jewelry and ornamental designs
2. Unique minerals that are meticulously designed enhance decorative pieces while also representing status and wealth
3. Rare and valuable stones polished for use in ornamental items

Etymology: Before it named a precious stone, the Latin "gemma" meant a bud, especially a bud on a plant or vine. The bud sense came first, and the jewel sense developed from it, though exactly how the shift happened is uncertain. English took the word early. Old English had "gimm" for a gem, and in Middle English it was reshaped into "gemme" under the influence of Old French. "Gems" is simply the regular plural of "gem," formed by adding -s, so it carries the same history: a sprouting bud that became a glittering stone.

Synonyms: jewels, precious stones, treasures, diamonds, emeralds

Antonyms: rocks, pebbles, gravel, dirt, trash