lapis lazuli

noun la·pis la·zu·li \ ˌla-pəs-ˈla-zə-lē , -ˈla-zhə- \

|Updated on: 17 Jun 2018

Definition of lapis lazuli

: a semiprecious stone that is usually rich azure blue and is essentially a complex silicate often with spangles of pyrites — called also lapis

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Recent Examples of lapis lazuli from the Web

But combined with lapis lazuli, turquoise, tiger’s eye, agate stones, and freshwater pearls, the wire used in these traps has become stunning jewelry with a global market.

— staff, The Christian Science Monitor, "Meanwhile in ... Cambodia, 'hero rats' are helping with mine clearance," 14 June 2018
To achieve their effects, the Mughal court artists used pigments composed, among other things, of lapis lazuli, gold, tin and charcoal.

— j.s. marcus, WSJ, "Souvenirs of a Prince’s Passage to India," 18 May 2018
Delicate floral designs inlaid with semi-precious stones, such as lapis lazuli, red agate, amethyst, abalone, jasper and mother-of-pearl, decorate a variety of marbles and contrast with the more traditional geometric ceramic details.

— jim berleley, Town & Country, "How to Plan a Trip to Dubai," 5 Oct. 2016
Almost anything can be found carved from lapis lazuli, a semiprecious, deep blue gemstone native to Afghanistan.

— rod nordland, New York Times, "There Are No Chickens on Chicken Street. Now There Are No Customers Either.," 22 Apr. 2018
These gowns, two made by Jean Lanvin in the 1930s and the rest from a 2011 capsule collection by Rodarte, suggest an early-Renaissance rainbow, their colors the saturated pastels of Giotto and the lapis lazuli of Fra Angelico.

— laura jacobs, WSJ, "‘Heavenly Bodies: Fashion and the Catholic Imagination’ Review: A Gift From the Sartorial Gods," 10 May 2018
One of the most prized pigments was the deep blue made with the semi-precious stone lapis lazuli, writes Allison Meier for Hyperallergic.

— marissa fessenden, Smithsonian, "New Exhibition Unfolds the “Bizarre” Stories Behind Centuries-Old Pigments," 21 Mar. 2018
This parrot couple is forged in white gold with emerald, lapis lazuli, turquoise, onyx, and round and baguette-cut diamonds evocative of feathers.

— Daily Intelligencer, "Set Sail Aboard Noah’s Ark at This Stunning Van Cleef & Arpels Installation," 30 Oct. 2017
Circular buoy shapes are suspended from pearls and studded with diamonds and lapis lazuli.

— stellene volandes, Town & Country, "Chanel's Collection Pays Homage to Her Lover the Duke of Westminster," 23 Oct. 2017

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'lapis lazuli.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Origin and Etymology of lapis lazuli

Middle English, from Medieval Latin, from Latin lapis + Medieval Latin lazuli, genitive of lazulum lapis lazuli, from Arabic lāzaward — more at azure

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First Known Use: 15th century

in the meaning defined above

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