lapidary
UK[ˈlapɪd(ə)ri]US[ˈlæpɪˌderi]
n
a person who cuts, polishes, or engraves gems.
adj
relating to the cutting, polishing, or engraving of gems and stones.
adj
(of language or style) elegant and concise, suitable for engraving in stone.
Morpheme Breakdown
lapid
ary
lapid
stone
ary
relating to
Etymology
the word 'lapidary' originates from the latin lapidarius, meaning 'of a stone' or 'stone-cutter', which itself derives from lapis, lapidis (stone). this latin root can be traced further back to a proto-indo-european source, likely related to concepts of a stone or rock. the term entered english in the 14th century, initially referring to a cutter of precious stones. its elegant, concise adjectival sense, describing language fit to be carved in stone, developed by the 18th century, metaphorically extending the precision and permanence associated with stone engraving to the realm of style and expression.
Analysis
Structure: lapid (stone) + ary (relating to)
lapid: from latin lapid-, stem of lapis meaning 'stone'.
ary: a suffix of latin origin (-arius) forming adjectives meaning 'of, connected with, or pertaining to'.
Examples
the museum's new exhibit was curated by a master lapidary.
she learned the lapidary arts of gem cutting and polishing.
his speech was praised for its lapidary precision and powerful brevity.