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

One pendant evokes the sea with its swirl of mother-of-pearl, spiral seashells and rivulets of pale gray leather arranged above a piece of bleached coral.

From Los Angeles Times • Dec. 30, 2025

The brut, aptly named “Flying by the Seat of Our Pants,” pairs beautifully with the included 1 oz. tin of custom Bricoleur x Tsar Nicoulai caviar and a mother-of-pearl spoon.

From Salon • Dec. 16, 2024

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

From Slate • May 15, 2024

Nacre, the iridescent mother-of-pearl inside the shells of marine mussels and other mollusks, is exceptionally tough: it can deform without breaking.

From Science Daily • Feb. 8, 2024

The same as was done to apply brass to wood or mother-of-pearl to lacquerware.

From "A Single Shard" by Linda Sue Park