Definition

1. Adjective:

   • Relating to precious stones or their engraving: Describes anything connected with gemstones, their cutting, polishing, or engraving.
   • Characterized by concise, elegant precision: Describes a style of writing or expression that is refined, precise, and elegant, often likened to the precision of stone engraving.

2. Noun:

   • A person who cuts, polishes, or engraves gemstones: A skilled artisan or craftsperson specializing in working with precious stones.
   • An expert in gemstones: A connoisseur or scholar with deep knowledge of precious stones and the art of lapidary.

Usage Examples

• Adjective:

  • The museum's collection includes many lapidary tools from the 18th century.
  • Her prose is celebrated for its lapidary quality, each sentence perfectly crafted.

• Noun:

  • The lapidary carefully examined the rough diamond before beginning to cut it.
  • As a renowned lapidary, he was consulted for his expertise on rare gems.

Advanced Usage

• "Lapidary style": Refers to a literary or epigraphic style that is concise, elegant, and finely crafted, like an inscription carved in stone.

  • The poet's lapidary style is evident in her short, powerful verses.

• "Lapidary work": The craft or product of cutting and engraving stones.

  • The intricate lapidary work on the ancient seal was remarkable.

Variants and Related Words

• Lapidarist (n): Another term for a lapidary; a cutter or engraver of gems.

  • The lapidarist specialized in creating intaglios.

• Lapidify (v, rare): To turn into stone or petrify.

  • The process can lapidify organic material over millennia.

Synonyms

• Adjective (gem-related): Gemological, glyptic.
• Adjective (style-related): Concise, succinct, elegant, polished.
• Noun (craftsperson): Gem-cutter, engraver, stonecutter.

Related Phrases

• Lapidary inscription: An inscription carved in stone, often on a monument or tomb.

  • The lapidary inscription on the memorial was still legible after centuries.

• Lapidary art: The art of engraving, cutting, or polishing stones.

  • The exhibition showcased the history of lapidary art from ancient to modern times.

Adjective

1. of or relating to precious stones or the art of working with them
   • the ring is of no lapidary value- Lord Byron
   • lapidary art

Noun

1. a skilled worker who cuts and engraves precious stones
2. an expert on precious stones and the art of cutting and engraving them