This shows grade level based on the word's complexity.
mother-of-pearl
[ muhth-er-uhv-purl ]
/ ˈmʌð ər əvˈpɜrl /
Save This Word!
This shows grade level based on the word's complexity.
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.
QUIZ
GOOSES. GEESES. I WANT THIS QUIZ ON PLURAL NOUNS!
Test how much you really know about regular and irregular plural nouns with this quiz.
Question 1 of 9
Which of the following nouns has an irregular plural form?
Origin of mother-of-pearl
1500–10; compare Italian madreperla,obsolete French mère perle
Words nearby mother-of-pearl
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2022
How to use mother-of-pearl in a sentence
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
Scientific 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
The American Heritage® Science Dictionary
Copyright © 2011. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.