jewel

jew-el · noun

imported

Definitions

noun

  1. 1.

    A precious stone, especially when cut and polished for use in jewelry.

  2. 2.

    An ornament or piece of jewelry containing a precious stone.

  3. 3.

    A person or thing regarded as precious, valuable, or outstanding.

  4. 4.

    A bearing in a watch mechanism made of a precious stone or synthetic material.

Forms

plural: jewels

Phrases & expressions

  • •
    crown jewels — the most important or valuable items; also, the ceremonial jewels of royalty
  • •
    jewel in the crown — the most valuable or prized part of something
  • •
    family jewels — (informal) heirloom jewelry; also (slang) male genitalia

Related words

See also: diamond, gem, jewellery, ruby
Synonyms: gem, gemstone, precious stone, treasure

Etymology

From Old French jouel, joel ("jewel, gem"), possibly from Latin iocale ("plaything"), from iocus ("joke, sport").