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 Sprinkles of that very lapis lazuli would go on to line King Tutankhamen’s funeral mask and, as is common lore, the eyelids of one Cleopatra. Emily Leibert, Allure, 25 Jan. 2024 Desperate to bottle the shade of the heavens, ancient Egyptians resorted to extracting blue — lapis lazuli, along with malachite and turquoise — from mines in Afghanistan. Emily Leibert, Allure, 25 Jan. 2024 Made of silver, lapis lazuli, malachite and coral, the brooch is flat and circular with a cross through its middle, according to a statement from Gildings, which will auction it in the spring. Sonja Anderson, Smithsonian Magazine, 4 Jan. 2024 But who was mining the lapis lazuli in Afghanistan and under what conditions? Teju Cole, New York Times, 25 May 2023 Tweed Étoile Diamond and sapphire stars glitter amongst a rich tapestry of lapis lazuli, onyx, and yellow sapphires in the Tweed Etoile designs. Sarah Royce-Greensill, Robb Report, 4 Aug. 2023 In his office at China Town, Yu showcases chunks of Afghan lapis lazuli and lithium — along with his political savvy. Gerry Shih, Washington Post, 24 May 2023 The Big Bang Set, in particular, includes Past Life (a bright lapis lazuli blue ), Brutal Honesty (a malachite green emerald green like Fox’s engagement ring), and Deep Breath, which is an opalescent top coat that gives your nails a shattered glass effect. Devon Abelman, Allure, 13 Dec. 2022 For example, gold and ivory came from Egypt while precious stones, such as blue lapis lazuli, dark red carnelian and blue-green turquoise, were imported from Afghanistan, India and Sinai respectively. Saman Shafiq, USA TODAY, 7 July 2023

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 29 Mar. 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

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