seed pearl

noun

1. a pearl weighing less than ¼ grain.

seed pearl

noun

1. a tiny pearl weighing less than a quarter of a grain

Word History and Origins

Origin of seed pearl¹

First recorded in 1545–55

Example Sentences

The first seven oysters I examined, contained nothing but seed pearl, and not many of these.

From Project Gutenberg

In a few minutes I had seventy-three just such pearls, besides a quantity of seed pearl.

From Project Gutenberg

In addition to these, I got in all, one hundred and eighty-seven of the size of peas, besides a large handful of the seed pearl.

From Project Gutenberg

Over her head was a little shawl of old lace; it was caught by a seed-pearl brooch with an amethyst centre.

From Project Gutenberg

Very often, also, small silver spangles were employed, either stitched down with a piece of purl or a seed-pearl.

From Project Gutenberg