lapis lazuli

noun

la·​pis la·​zu·​li ˌla-pəs-ˈla-zə-lē How to pronounce lapis lazuli (audio)
-ˈla-zhə-
: 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 The earliest stable blue was made from lapis lazuli, the mining of which began in Afghanistan around six thousand years ago. Kanya Kanchana, Longreads, 15 Oct. 2024 Materials, too, break from neutral modernist tropes, with allusions to the lapis lazuli and bronze of artifacts. Sam Cochran, Architectural Digest, 10 Oct. 2024 Along with tiger’s eye, as seen above, talkative’s sliced, gemstone Crest earrings are available in a veritable rainbow of gems and hardstones including lapis lazuli, fluorite, moss agate, mother of pearl, green onyx, amethyst and aquamarine. Kyle Roderick, Forbes, 6 Oct. 2024 Around her neck hung two necklaces: a Jewish star with lapis lazuli, and a small gold Celtics logo pendant, which had belonged to her grandfather. Gabrielle Starr, Hartford Courant, 17 June 2024 See all Example Sentences for lapis lazuli 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'lapis lazuli.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Medieval Latin, from Latin lapis + Medieval Latin lazuli, genitive of lazulum lapis lazuli, from Arabic lāzaward — more at azure

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of lapis lazuli was in the 15th century

Dictionary Entries Near lapis lazuli

Cite this Entry

“Lapis lazuli.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/lapis%20lazuli. Accessed 5 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

lapis lazuli

noun
la·​pis la·​zu·​li ˌlap-ə-ˈslazh-ə-lē How to pronounce lapis lazuli (audio)
-ˈslaz-
: a deep blue gemstone

More from Merriam-Webster on lapis lazuli

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