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. 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 Also callednacre nacreous

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

Example Sentences

It must have been the window-panes, for he was anxious to get the most beautiful mother-of-pearl he could find.

From Project Gutenberg

But the face of the Sovereign of the waters shone with a light more tender than either the mother-of-pearl or the crystal.

From Project Gutenberg

Also an antique brass snuff-box inlaid with mother-of-pearl turned up but little injured.

From Project Gutenberg

In the corners stood carved cupboards, damascened with ebony and mother-of-pearl.

From Project Gutenberg

In Figure 66 are shown two fine examples of Oriental lacquer-work ornamented with gold and inlaid with mother-of-pearl flowers.

From Project Gutenberg