Lapidary
[LAP-ih-der-ee]
Part of speech: adjective
Origin: Middle English, 14th century
1.
Relating to stone and gems and the work involved in engraving, cutting, or polishing.
2.
(Of language) Engraved on or suitable for engraving on stone and therefore elegant and concise.
Examples of Lapidary in a sentence
"The jewelry box contained a small but impressive display of Suzanne’s lapidary obsession."
"The jeweler learned the lapidary arts from his father and grandfather before him."
About Lapidary
“Lapidary” is based on the Middle English “lapidarie,” meaning “stone.” This is based on the Latin “lapidārius,” meaning “of stones.”
Did you Know?
“Lapidary” is based on the Latin “lapidārius,” meaning “of stones,” but it is also related to the Latin “lapis,” meaning “stone.” This term is still associated with the semiprecious stone lapis lazuli, which is a vivid and striking blue color. During the Middle Ages, lapis lazuli was ground into ultramarine, an expensive deep-blue pigment that was used throughout the Renaissance in oil paintings and frescoes, notably on Johannes Vermeer’s painting “Girl With a Pearl Earring.”
