mother-of-pearl

American  

[muhth-er-uhv-purl] / ˈmʌð ər əvˈpɜrl /

noun

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

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adjective

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

   mother-of-pearl buttons.

mother-of-pearl British  

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

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mother-of-pearl Scientific  

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

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Etymology

Origin of mother-of-pearl

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

Explanation

Mother-of-pearl is a glowing, pearlescent material that's used to make jewelry and ornaments. Mother-of-pearl comes from the inside of oyster and abalone shells. The iridescent mother-of-pearl that comes from shell linings also covers the outsides of pearls — and while all shells have a version of this material inside them, only in certain cases is it so strikingly beautiful. The scientific word for this substance is nacre. The name mother-of-pearl probably comes from a nearly obsolete meaning of mother, "scrum, dregs or leftover filth."

Example Sentences

Elsewhere are splendid cabinets with mother-of-pearl inlay, gorgeous enamel accessories, plush velvet textiles and engraved iron swords.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jul. 11, 2026

Martin and Co. guitar, a seamless blend of spruce, mahogany, celluloid, ebony and mother-of-pearl.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 10, 2026

They had a mother-of-pearl Bible cover commissioned by Czar Nicholas II. They owned shops on six continents.

From Slate • May 15, 2024

Grande is so clearly in her Glinda era with her blonde ponytail almost matching the shade of her mother-of-pearl gown made by Loewe.

From Salon • May 7, 2024

Felicia set aside pails of them but selected only one, a mother-of-pearl shell, a baroque Spanish fan with which later to taunt her suitors.

From "Dreaming in Cuban" by Cristina García