mother-of-pearl

[muhth-er-uhv-purl]

noun

1. a hard, iridescent substance that forms the inner layer of certain mollusk shells, used for making buttons, beads, etc.; nacre.

adjective

1. of or having the qualities of mother-of-pearl, as being iridescent or pearly.

   mother-of-pearl buttons.

mother-of-pearl

noun

1. Also called: nacre. a hard iridescent substance, mostly calcium carbonate, that forms the inner layer of the shells of certain molluscs, such as the oyster. It is used to make buttons, inlay furniture, etc

mother-of-pearl

1. The hard, smooth, pearly layer on the inside of certain seashells, such as abalones and certain oysters. It is used to make buttons and jewelry.

2. Also called nacre

Word History and Origins

Origin of mother-of-pearl¹

1500–10; compare Italian madreperla, obsolete French mère perle