# lapis

/ˈɫæpəs/ (US) · CEFR C1 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/lapis
Updated: 2026-05-26

## Definition

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.

For teachers: 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.

## Examples

- 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.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.