The spelling of the term was modified, and it was borrowed into English as a name for both gem cutters and their art. Since the 1700s, lapidary has also been used as an adjective describing things having the elegance and precision of inscriptions carved on stone monuments or things relating to the art of gem cutting.

Is lapidary a noun?

noun, plural lap·i·dar·ies. Also lap·i·dist [lap-i-dist]. a worker who cuts, polishes, and engraves precious stones.

How do you use lapidary in a sentence?

His skill as a working lapidary was very great; and he prepared a number of lenses of garnet and other precious stones, which he preferred to the achromatic microscopes of the time.