lapidary.

1. Precise and elegant in style, like an inscription cut and polished into stone.

2. Relating to the cutting and polishing of precious stones; also, a person who performs that work.

Use it for

Words that belong together

• lapidary style
• lapidary prose
• lapidary inscription
• lapidary art
• lapidary tools
• a skilled lapidary

On the page

Her lapidary reply closed an argument that had lasted all morning.

A lapidary polished the opal until its colors seemed to kindle.

Usage notes

In literary criticism, it praises concise, carefully shaped language; it can also relate literally to gemstone work. Sense 2: The literal craft sense is technical; context distinguishes it from the figurative style sense.