gemgem /dʒem/ ●○○ noun [countable] 
precious gems2something that is very special or beautiful: Every single ad in the campaign has been a gem. The Fortune is a tiny gem of a theatre.gem of little gems of advice3a very helpful or special person: Ben, you’re a real gem!
WORD ORIGINgem
Origin:
1200-1300 French gemme, from Latin gemma ‘bud, jewel’EXAMPLES FROM OTHER DICTIONARIES
- Dubrovnik was a Renaissance gem not only of Croatia but of all Europe.
- But the diamond dealer sold them dud gems and paid dearly for it.
- Chilperic also showed Gregory a gold salver covered with gems, weighing fifty pounds.
- Finally, let me end a long, but hopefully not tedious, list of routes with a real gem from Skye.
- This nondescript little gem across from Arizona Stadium has been languishing in relative obscurity for the last two years.
THESAURUS
a valuable stone, such as a diamond: · He had a large fortune in gold and jewels.· the crown jewels (=the crown and other valuable objects worn by the king or queen on important royal occasions)· a jewel thief
a rare and valuable jewel such as a diamond or an emerald: · The handle of the sword was decorated with precious stones.
(also gemstone) a jewel that has been cut into a special shape: · The cross had large red gems set into it.· Her eyes were shining like gemstones.
a valuable stone, but one that is not as rare or valuable as a diamond, ruby, emerald etc: · Lapis lazuli is a semi-precious stone that was often used by the ancient Egyptians.
technical a single jewel, especially a large diamond: · a gold ring with a diamond solitaire
WORD SETSagate, nounamethyst, nounanklet, nounaquamarine, nounbangle, nounbauble, nounbead, nounbracelet, nounbrooch, nouncarat, nouncarbuncle, nouncharm, nounchoker, nouncoral, nouncoronet, nouncostume jewellery, nouncrown, nounct, cuff link, nouncultured pearl, noundiamanté, adjectivediamond, nounearring, nounemerald, nounfacet, nounfob watch, noungarnet, noungem, noungold-plated, adjectivegoldsmith, nounice, nounjade, nounjasper, nounjewel, nounjewelled, adjectivejeweller, nounkarat, nounlapidary, adjectivelapis lazuli, nounlocket, nounmedallion, nounmoonstone, nounmother-of-pearl, nounnecklace, nounonyx, nounopal, nounpaste, nounpearly, adjectivependant, nounpin, nounprecious stone, nounreset, verbrhinestone, nounring, nounruby, nounsapphire, nounseed pearl, nounsemi-precious, adjectivesetting, nounsignet ring, nounsolitaire, nounstickpin, nounstone, nounstud, nountiara, nountopaz, nountrinket, nounwatchband, nounwatchstrap, nounwedding ring, noun
COLLOCATIONS FROM THE ENTRY The Fortune is a tiny gem of a theatre.COLLOCATIONS FROM OTHER ENTRIES All the princes were dripping with gems.COLLOCATIONS FROM THE CORPUSADJECTIVE
1 (also gem stone) a beautiful stone that has been cut into a special shape SYN jewel: The Fortune is a tiny gem of a theatre. All the princes were dripping with gems.· Eyam is, in short, a little gem.· This little gem delivers irresistible flavors of peach, apples, honey, spices and even strawberry, by golly.· This little gem has come a long way in design since its launch last year.· His scripts are full of little gems, repeated phrases, unexplained back story and odd rhythms.· I happen to be a fan if Mr Vonnegut, so here's one of his little gems.· This nondescript little gem across from Arizona Stadium has been languishing in relative obscurity for the last two years.· The scenes were stunning, this system of lines is a little gem.· The only drawback to this little gem is the less-than-crisp black and white photography.
· On many important icons, precious gems relating to the colour and function of each chakra are used instead of metal.· The red velvet background of the reliquary is studded with precious gems and valuable ornaments donated by her grateful clients.· But the most precious gem of all does not come cheap.· Dry camel droppings tied in bits of plastic bag were gold and precious gems.
· There is not an abundance of thatched cottages in the wolds, but those that do exist are real gems.· She wrinkles up her nose and makes a face when I try to give her the real gems of life.· But the real gem is the New Oriental Hotel, which is neither new nor oriental.· Finally, let me end a long, but hopefully not tedious, list of routes with a real gem from Skye.· There are, however, some real gems in a small fraction of the 67 chapters.· The first disc, on the other hand, has some real gems.· It will either be a complete waste of time or you will find a real gem.· These are real tiny gems, ascended easily from near Earl Sterndale.
VERB· It will either be a complete waste of time or you will find a real gem.· Paul Fitzpatrick finds the gem of rugby league literature Semi-detached Moorhouse.· This site is a real treasure chest enabling us to find wonderful gems and make good use of them.
precious gems2something that is very special or beautiful: Every single ad in the campaign has been a gem. The Fortune is a tiny gem of a theatre.gem of little gems of advice3a very helpful or special person: Ben, you’re a real gem!