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

Examples of lapis lazuli in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Hidden among some bronze weapons was a magnificent gold dagger with a lapis lazuli handle. — National Geographic, "The royal tombs of Ur revealed Mesopotamia's golden splendor," 22 May 2019 The display of lingual lapis lazuli provides one of the intimate moments between human and animal at the Roos and Mates tour. — San Diego Union-Tribune, "‘Roos, geese, and a blue-tongued lizard: Behind the scenes at San Diego Zoo Safari Park," 8 June 2019 The sound box of the instrument was incrusted with carnelian, lapis lazuli, and mother-of-pearl. — National Geographic, "The royal tombs of Ur revealed Mesopotamia's golden splendor," 22 May 2019 Piero has also taken the liberty of eliminating red in Mary’s clothing, mantling her solely in her other primary color, blue, an expensive shade made from lapis lazuli brought from Afghanistan along the Silk Road. — Willard Spiegelman, WSJ, "On the Brink of the Savior’s Arrival," 12 Oct. 2018 Her daughter Queen Elizabeth II’s reign, meanwhile, had brought its own changes—and, in some instances (those faux lapis lazuli columns, for instance), scrupulous archeological restorations. — Noor Brara, Vogue, "Inside Buckingham Palace’s Resplendent, Never-Before Seen Rooms," 4 Oct. 2018 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

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.