gemel

From Middle English gemow, from Old French gemel, from Latin gemellus, diminutive of geminus (“twin”). The modern form is influenced by the Latin etymon.

• IPA^(key): /ˈd͡ʒɛməl/
• Rhymes: -ɛməl

gemel (plural gemels)

1. (now rare) A twin (also attributively).
   • 1969, Vladimir Nabokov, Ada or Ardor, Penguin 2011, p. 197:

     half a million which Demon considered henceforth as a loan his cousin should certainly refund him if sanity counted for something on this gemel planet.

2. (heraldry) One of a pair of small bars placed together.
   • 1698, John Strype, Life of the learned Sir Thomas Smith

     two gemells silver between two griffins passant

3. (historical) A finger ring which splits into two horizontally.

gemel (not comparable)

1. (heraldry) Coupled; paired.

   Bars gemel, or two barrulets placed near and parallel to each other.