gemma
[ˈɡɛm.ma]feminine
The Latin word for gem is gemma.
gemma is a noun used to refer to a precious stone.
Meaning: precious stone (noun)
How does it change in a sentence?
gemma is a feminine noun.
Did you know?
- In Roman poetry, gemma was frequently used as a metaphor for a child or a beloved person. Calling someone a gemma implied they were a rare and polished treasure.
- In botany, the Latin word gemma is used to describe a bud on a plant. This creates a linguistic link between the 'budding' of a flower and the 'budding' of a crystal.
- There is a strange theory that gemma is related to words meaning 'to sprout' or 'to bud', suggesting a gem was once seen as a biological growth.
Examples in context
- Haec gemma est pulchra.This gem is beautiful.
- In corona magna gemma lucet.A large gem shines in the crown.
- Gemma pretiosa in anulo est.A precious gem is in the ring.
Example conversation
Marcus and Lucia are looking at jewelry.
- MarcusVide hanc gemmam, Lucia!Look at this gem, Lucia!
- LuciaIta, gemma valde splendida est.Yes, the gem is very splendid.
- MarcusVisne hanc gemmam emere?Do you want to buy this gem?
- LuciaIta, gemma mihi placet.Yes, I like the gem.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “gem” translations and entries gemma, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
