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meerschaum

[ meer-shuhm, -shawm ]

noun

  1. a mineral, hydrous magnesium silicate, H 4 Mg 2 Si 3 O 1 0 , occurring in white, claylike masses, used for ornamental carvings, for pipe bowls, etc.; sepiolite.
  2. a tobacco pipe with a bowl made of this substance.


meerschaum

/ ˈmɪəʃəm /

noun

  1. Also calledsepiolite a white, yellowish, or pink compact earthy mineral consisting of hydrated magnesium silicate: used to make tobacco pipes and as a building stone. Formula: Mg 2 Si 3 O 6 (OH) 4
  2. a tobacco pipe having a bowl made of this mineral
“Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged” 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012


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Word History and Origins

Origin of meerschaum1

1775–85; < German Meerschaum, equivalent to Meer sea ( mere 2 ) + Schaum foam
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Word History and Origins

Origin of meerschaum1

C18: German, literally: sea foam
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Example Sentences

Non-meerschaum smokers may not know what a delicate task this is, but once well begun the rest is comparatively easy.

It was a windy night and a sudden gust blew his tall hat into the river, and after it unfortunately dropped the meerschaum.

To colour a meerschaum was the ambition of smokers, swearing was considered neither low nor vulgar, and snuffing was fashionable.

Many a fine meerschaum keeps up its cheerful fire on a shilling a-week.

A German receiver can be washed out like a teacup, and the oil collected is of value, but a meerschaum should never be wetted.

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