Jewel

Pronunciation

• RP IPA: /ˈdÊ’uːəl/, /ˈdʒʊːəl/
• Canada IPA: /dÊ’uÉ«/, /ˈdÊ’uwlÌ©/
• Rhymes: -uːl
• Homophones: joule

Origin

From Anglo-Norman juel, from Old French jouel (modern joyau), based ultimately on Latin iocus ("joke, jest").

Full definition of jewel

Noun

1. A precious or semi-precious stone; gem, gemstone.
2. A valuable object used for personal ornamentation, especially one made of precious metals and stones; a piece of jewellery.
• ante 1611, William Shakespeare, Cymbeline, , lines 188–9:Iachimo:   ‛Tis plate of rare device, and jewels
  Of rich and exquisite form, their values great.
3. (figuratively) Anything considered precious or valuable.
   Galveston was the jewel of Texas prior to the hurricane.
• Shakespeareour prince (jewel of children)
4. A bearing for a pivot in a watch, formed of a crystal or precious stone.

Synonyms

Derived terms

• bejewel
• jeweler, jeweller
• jewelled
• jewellery, jewelry
• jewel in the crown

Verb

1. To bejewel; to decorate or bedeck with jewels or gems.