mother-of-pearl

[ muhth -er-uh v-purl ]

/ ˈmʌð ər əvˈpɜrl /

noun

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

adjective

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

Nearby words

mother's helper, mother-in-law, mother-in-law plant, mother-in-law's tongue, mother-naked, mother-of-pearl, mother-of-pearl cloud, mother-of-pearl glass, mother-of-pearl moth, mother-of-thousands, mother-of-thyme

Origin of mother-of-pearl

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

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019

Examples from the Web for mother-of-pearl

Mother-of-pearl used in the arts is sold by the ton, from $50 to $700 being average prices.
Scientific American Supplement, No. 362, December 9, 1882|Various
Others had pockets to hold the counters, which were old silver Spanish pieces or were made of mother-of-pearl.
The Old Furniture Book|N. Hudson Moore
It is marvellous how the vivid light of day flatters your beauty, loves you, and caresses the mother-of-pearl on your cheeks.
The Red Lily, Complete|Anatole France
There were gold-lacquered tables and a curious concert-grand piano, also gold inlaid with mother-of-pearl cupids and flowers.
The Witness|Grace Livingston Hill Lutz

They are contained in a pyramidal upright cupboard, richly ornamented with small pieces of mother-of-pearl.
The Mission to Siam, and Hu the Capital of Cochin China, in the Years 1821-2|George Finlayson

British Dictionary definitions for mother-of-pearl

mother-of-pearl

noun

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, etcAlso called: nacre Related adjective: nacreous

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

Science definitions for mother-of-pearl

mother-of-pearl

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. Also called nacre

mother-of-pearl

noun

adjective

RELATED CONTENT

Nearby words

Origin of mother-of-pearl

Examples from the Web for mother-of-pearl

British Dictionary definitions for mother-of-pearl

mother-of-pearl

noun

Science definitions for mother-of-pearl

mother-of-pearl