noun pl. lapidaries -·dar′·ies

1. a person who cuts, polishes, and engraves precious stones
2. the art of such a person
3. an expert in precious stones; collector of or dealer in gems
   also lapidarist lap′i·dar′·ist

Etymology: ME lapidarie < LL lapidarius < L, of stones < lapis (gen. lapidis), a stone, akin to Gr lepas, ult.? < IE base *lep-: see leper

adjective

1. of or connected with the art of cutting and engraving precious stones
2. engraved on stone
3. short, precise, and elegant, like an inscription on a monument

Etymology: L lapidarius