lapidary

 
Pronunciation: /ˈlapɪd(ə)ri/

adjective

  • relating to the engraving, cutting, or polishing of stones and gems.
  • (of language) elegant and concise, and therefore suitable for engraving on stone: a lapidary statement

noun (plural lapidaries)

  • a person who cuts, polishes, or engraves gems.

Origin:

Middle English (as a noun): from Latin lapidarius (in late Latin 'stonecutter'), from lapis, lapid- 'stone'. The adjective dates from the early 18th century