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semiprecious

[ sem-ee-presh-uhs, sem-ahy- ]

adjective

  1. (of a stone) having commercial value as a gem but not classified as precious, as the amethyst or garnet.


semiprecious

/ ˌsɛmɪˈprɛʃəs /

adjective

  1. (of certain stones) having commercial value, but less than a precious stone
“Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged” 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012


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Word History and Origins

Origin of semiprecious1

First recorded in 1885–90; semi- + precious
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Example Sentences

The interior is exquisite with lacelike carvings inlaid with semiprecious stones.

Some special varieties of feldspar are cut or polished for semiprecious stones or decorative purposes.

Certain transparent colored varieties of tourmaline rank high among the semiprecious stones.

Stones and ores, some semiprecious, have come from all parts of the world to be patterned into this bright-colored shrine.

They're beautiful, as you see, but they're not particularly valuable; only semiprecious.

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