How Do You Spell LAPIDARY?

Pronunciation: [lˈapɪdəɹi] (IPA)

The spelling of the word "lapidary" can be a challenge for non-native speakers due to a few unusual sounds. The initial "l" is pronounced as a voiced alveolar lateral approximant /l/, while the "a" in the first syllable is a short /æ/. The "p" is pronounced softly as a bilabial plosive /p/ followed by a voiced alveolar flap /ɾ/. Finally, the "i" in the second syllable is a long /aɪ/. The overall pronunciation is /ˈlæ.pɪ.dər.i/. Lapidary refers to the art of cutting, polishing, and engraving gemstones.

LAPIDARY Meaning and Definition

1. Lapidary is an adjective that describes something that relates to or is associated with the cutting, shaping, and polishing of gemstones or other precious stones. It is also used to refer to the art or craft of working with gemstones by cutting, shaping, and polishing them into decorative objects such as jewelry or ornamental pieces.

   In a broader sense, lapidary can also refer to the study and classification of gemstones, including their identification, characteristics, and properties. This may involve examining the geological origins, physical attributes, and optical qualities of different gemstones to determine their authenticity, value, and potential uses.

   The term lapidary can also be used as a noun to describe a person skilled in the art of working with gemstones. A lapidary is someone who has acquired expertise and knowledge in cutting, shaping, and polishing gemstones, often using specialized tools and equipment to achieve intricate and precise designs.

   Additionally, lapidary can be used figuratively to describe something that is finely crafted or executed with great precision and attention to detail, similar to the intricacy and expertise demonstrated in the art of gemstone cutting.

2. • One who cuts, polishes, or engraves precious stones; a dealer in precious stones.

   • Pert. to the art of the lapidary.

   Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.

Common Misspellings for LAPIDARY

• laundary
• landary
• laudary
• lanudary
• lapidarisy
• kapidary
• papidary
• oapidary
• lapideary
• lapiadte
• capyidar
• lappadary
• lapedary
• lapidory
• Lappidarys
• Laxidar

Etymology of LAPIDARY

The word "lapidary" is derived from the Latin term "lapidarius", which means "pertaining to stones" or "of stones". It comes from the Latin word "lapis", meaning "stone". The term has been used since ancient times to refer to someone who works with stones, particularly in the art of cutting, engraving, or polishing gemstones and creating jewelry or ornaments from them. Over time, "lapidarius" evolved into "lapidaire" in Old French and ultimately became "lapidary" in English.

Similar spelling words for LAPIDARY

• Lapidarian,
• lapidarist.

Plural form of LAPIDARY is LAPIDARIES