lapis
n. uncountable C1 Advanced US //ˈɫæpəs// lapis
n. a deep blue stone that people have used to make jewelry and paint for thousands of years. It is one of the oldest known gemstones in the world.
n. a deep blue metamorphic rock consisting of lazurite, used as a pigment and a gemstone. Often used in the plural to refer to the material in general.
The artist used ground lapis to make a beautiful blue paint.
Archaeologists found a necklace made of polished lapis in the tomb of the ancient queen.
The vivid ultramarine color of medieval manuscripts was derived from the expensive powder of lapis, which was imported from the mountains of Afghanistan along the Silk Road.
Shortened form of lapis lazuli.