1. A precious stone: This is the most common meaning. A jewel is a valuable stone, often cut and polished, used in jewelry. Some examples include diamonds, rubies, emeralds, sapphires, and pearls.
2. A valuable or precious thing: This meaning extends beyond literal gemstones to encompass anything considered valuable or precious. It can be a person, an idea, an object, or even an experience. For example:
* "She is a jewel of a person."
* "The ancient library holds many intellectual jewels."
* "A trip to Paris is a jewel of a vacation."
3. A gem or ornament: This meaning is similar to the first, but emphasizes the aesthetic value of the stone. It can also refer to decorative elements like buttons, buckles, or other items used for adornment.
4. In the context of "Jewel of the Nile": This refers to a gem or treasure, often hidden or guarded, and the object of a quest or adventure.
The specific meaning of "jewel" will depend on the context in which it's used.