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REFERENCE

gem

n. · v.
US //ˈdʒɛm// UK //dʒˈɛm// gem
  1. 1 precious stone (n.)
    B1 Intermediate

    a precious stone, such as a diamond or emerald, that is cut and polished for jewelry.

    a precious or semi-precious stone, especially one that has been cut and polished for use in ornamentation.

    Example

    The museum has a famous collection of rare gems from around the world.

    Example

    The crown was encrusted with hundreds of small gems, each meticulously cut to catch the light from every angle.
  2. 2 special person or thing (n.)
    B1 Intermediate Informal

    someone or something that is very helpful, valuable, or impressive.

    a person or thing held in high esteem or regarded as exceptionally useful or beautiful.

    Example

    Our new assistant is a real gem; she finished all the work in half the time.

    Example

    The small bookstore is a hidden gem, tucked away in a quiet alley where few tourists ever venture.
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  1. 3 software library (n.)
    C1 Advanced Technical Computing

    a package of code or a library used in the Ruby programming language.

    a standard format for distributing Ruby programs and libraries, managed by the RubyGems system.

    Example

    You need to install the latest gem to make the website work correctly.

    Example

    The developer published a new gem to simplify the process of authenticating users across different platforms.

    Usage

    Usually refers specifically to the Ruby ecosystem.
  2. 4 to decorate (v.)
    C2 Proficiency Literary

    to decorate something with jewels or bright objects.

    to adorn or embellish a surface with gems or jewel-like decorations.

    Example

    The morning dew gemmed the spider's web like tiny diamonds.

    Example

    The poet described how the stars gemmed the velvet sky, creating a brilliant canopy over the sleeping city.
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