lapis lazuli

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

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

See lapis lazuli defined for English-language learners

See lapis lazuli defined for kids

Recent Examples of lapis lazuli from the Web

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
The painting originally hung in the collection of King Charles I, and depicts a beatific Jesus Christ, clad in lapis lazuli robes and holding a glassine orb, one hand extended skyward

— alessandra codinha, Vogue, "Christie's Unveils a Lost Leonardo da Vinci in New York," 10 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

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: 15th century

See Words from the same year