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lapidary Definition

lapi·dary (lapə der′ē)

noun pl. -·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

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

lapidary Usage Examples

Modifies a noun

  • work: I think that most lapidary work is partly lucky guess.
  • prose: Reason to resolve clean lapidary prose as soon as.
  • equipment: Carefully selected material is amenable to processing using conventional lapidary equipment and fine grain size together with uniform texture result in even polished surfaces.
  • pack: Some lapidary packs can be purchased directly through PayPal: These packs have PayPal buttons.
lapidary Quotes

In lapidary inscriptions a man is not upon oath.

—Johnson, Samuel known as Dr Johnson

Browse dictionary entries near lapidary

  1. lapidarian
  2. lapful
  3. LAPF
  4. lapel
  5. LAPD
  6. lapboard
  7. LAPB
  8. laparotomy
  9. laparoscope
  10. laparo-
  1. lapidate
  2. lapidify
  3. lapillus
  4. lapin
  5. lapis
  6. lapis lazuli
  7. Laplace
  8. Lapland
  9. LAPM
  10. Lapp