pearl oyster

noun

any of several marine bivalve mollusks of the family Pteriidae, some of which form pearls of great value, inhabiting waters of eastern Asia and off the coasts of Panama and Baja California.

pearl oyster

any of various tropical marine bivalves of the genus Pinctada and related genera: a major source of pearls

First recorded in 1685–95

For years, McFarland had been the sous chef at the popular Pearl Oyster Bar in Greenwich Village.

In short, this was not the pearl-oyster bed which had brought the two friends the greater part of the way around the globe.

Max now showed him the supposed pearl-oyster, and challenged him to make an attempt to bring it up.

It proved to be a pearl-oyster, as Max had supposed, and on being opened was found to contain eleven seed-pearls.

Their hooks are made of the mother-of-pearl oyster, which they rub on a stone until it assumes the shape they want.

It is not likely, however, that the manta devours anything larger than the pearl-oyster itself.

April 19, 2024tortuous

[tawr-choo-uhs ]

Start each day with the Word of the Day in your inbox!

By clicking "Sign Up", you are accepting Dictionary.com Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policies.

Browse