lapidary

1 of 2

noun

lap·​i·​dary ˈla-pə-ˌder-ē 

plural lapidaries

1

: a cutter, polisher, or engraver of precious stones usually other than diamonds

2

: the art of cutting gems

lapidary

2 of 2

adjective

1

: having the elegance and precision associated with inscriptions on monumental stone

a stanza that has a lapidary dignity

2

a

: sculptured in or engraved on stone

b

: of, relating to, or suggestive of precious stones or the art of cutting them

Did you know?

The Latin word for “stone” is lapis, which rock hounds and jewelry lovers may be familiar with as the term for a semi-precious, deep blue gem also known as lapis lazuli, or “stone of the sky.” In the 1300s, lapis lent its shine to the English noun lapidary, referring to a cutter, polisher, or engraver of precious stones, as well as to the art of such a person. The crystalline refinement involved in the work of a lapidary eventually led, centuries later, to the use of lapidary as an adjective describing things that have the elegance and precision of inscriptions carved in stone monuments. Today it is used most often to characterize speech or prose (such as an essay, memoir, or address) that is considered notably clear and fine, but lapidary can also describe virtues such as grace and dignity, whether observed in one’s language or character.

Examples of lapidary in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

According to Hartwig, Egyptian craftspeople, lapidaries and sculptors spent around four years recreating the artifacts found in the pharaoh’s tomb, from his wooden chariot to his iconic golden mask. —Meilan Solly, Smithsonian Magazine, 3 May 2024

Hobby lapidaries and gem collectors can find sunstones at Dust Devil Mining three ways: Dig for free in a deep pit: To keep any of the stones, you will be charged 50% of the wholesale value for better colored stones and clear stones that will cut over 8 carats. —oregonlive, 2 Mar. 2023

Adjective

The result is a wild delight: a work of magical-realist, jet-black comedy, steeped in Jewish mysticism, starring one of New York’s great literary heroines, and rendered in dazzling, lapidary prose. —The New Yorker, 26 June 2024

John Everett Benson, a stone carver whose lapidary inscriptions mark the grave of President John F. Kennedy and sites including the National Gallery of Art, conferring elegant permanence and permanent elegance with their stately strokes and serifs, died June 13 in Newport, R.I. —Emily Langer, Washington Post, 21 June 2024

Word History

Etymology

Adjective

Latin lapidarius of stone, from lapid-, lapis stone

First Known Use

Noun

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Adjective

1724, in the meaning defined at sense 1

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Kids Definition

lapidary

noun

lap·​i·​dary

ˈlap-ə-ˌder-ē

plural lapidaries

: a person who cuts and polishes precious stones

lapidary adjective