Having the shape or form of a gem or bud; resembling a precious stone or a plant bud in appearance.
From Latin gemma (bud, gem) + -form (from forma meaning 'shape'). The -form suffix is used across scientific terminology to indicate similarity in shape or structure, as in uniform or cruciform.
This word shows how scientists needed to describe things that looked like gems but weren't necessarily valuable—a mineral crystal might be gemmiform even if it had no commercial value, making the term more about appearance than worth.
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