Idioms about pearl
Origin of pearl
OTHER WORDS FROM pearl
pearler, nounpearlish, adjectivepearllike, adjectiveWords nearby pearl
Other definitions for pearl (2 of 2)
MORE ABOUT PEARL
What does pearl mean?
A pearl is a smooth, rounded bead formed inside the shells of certain mollusks, such as clams and oysters.
Pearls are known for being used in jewelry, such as pearl necklaces and pearl earrings.
Pearls vary in size and color. They are most commonly an iridescent, milky white, but they can be several other colors, including gray and even black.
Although pearls are not stones, the pearl is one of the birthstones for the month of June, along with moonstone and alexandrite. It is associated with the zodiac signs Gemini and Cancer.
The word pearl is sometimes used figuratively to refer to something precious or to the finest example of something, such as in the phrase pearls of wisdom.
Pearl can also be a girlâs name.
Example: My grandmother left me her pearl necklace, and I always wear it on special occasions.
Where does pearl come from?
The first records of the word pearl come from the 1300s. It comes from the Middle English perle, ultimately from the Latin perna, meaning âsea mussel.â
Mollusks like clams and oysters produce pearls when an irritantâsuch as a grain of sandâgets inside their shell. The particle is coated with thin layers of mother-of-pearl, the hard, iridescent substance that makes up the inside of mollusk shells. Pearls are primarily composed of calcium carbonate (which is what mother-of-pearl mainly consists of).
Some pearls are culturedâmeaning they are âgrownâ inside mollusk shells by intentionally introducing the irritant that will start the process that produces a pearl.
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What are some other forms related to pearl?
- pearllike (adjective)
What are some words that share a root or word element with pearl?Â
What are some words that often get used in discussing pearl?
How is pearl used in real life?
Pearls are known for their use in jewelry, especially earrings and necklaces. They are associated with preciousness.
Out of the 5 million oysters sold at his business each year, the chef said only a couple of people have found a pearl in his 25 years working there. https://t.co/naubeRyIbV
— Idaho Statesman (@IdahoStatesman) December 18, 2018
I'm wearing my grandmother's pearl necklace today, I feel fancy.
— Lauren Matthews (@miss_matthews) January 11, 2013
Also 100 years ago, pearls were incredibly expensive and *the* luxury gem. Then cultured pearls were developed in the 1930s.
— Virginia Postrel (@vpostrel) May 12, 2021
Try using pearl!
True or False?Â
Pearls are only ever white.