Longman Dictionary of Contemporary English homepage

Date: 1200-1300
Language: Old French
Origin: juel, from jeu 'game, play'

jewel

 noun
     
jewel
Related topics: Jewellery
jew‧el [countable]
1DCJ a valuable stone, such as a diamond [= gem]
2

jewels

[plural]DCJ jewellery or other objects made with valuable stones and used for decoration:
She loved dressing up and wearing priceless jewels.
3TMC a very small stone used in the machinery of a watch
4 something or someone that is very valuable, attractive, or important:
He introduced her to Budapest, a jewel of a city.
5

the jewel in the crown

the best or most valuable part of something:
Puddings are the jewel in the crown of British cookery.
 ➔ crown jewel
Definition from the Longman Dictionary of Contemporary English
Advanced Learner's Dictionary.

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