pearl
a smooth, rounded bead formed within the shells of certain mollusks and composed of the mineral aragonite or calcite in a matrix, deposited in concentric layers as a protective coating around an irritating foreign object: valued as a gem when lustrous and finely colored.: Compare cultured pearl.
something resembling a bead formed in the shells of certain mollusks, such as various synthetic substances for use in costume jewelry: The pearls on this rosary are made of glass and protected by silver-plated double filigree caps.
something similar in form, luster, etc., to a bead formed in the shells of certain mollusks, such as a dewdrop or a capsule of medicine: She wiped the pearls of sweat from her forehead.
something precious or choice; the finest example of anything: An older couple offered us some pearls of wisdom about keeping a marriage healthy.The pearl of the museum's collection is one of Van Gogh's paintings, but there are many other things worth seeing.
a very pale gray approaching white but commonly with a bluish tinge: We wanted to paint the walls eggshell at first, but we ultimately decided on a cooler color and went with pearl.
mother-of-pearl (usually used in combination): His collection includes a beautiful antique pearl-handled revolver.
Printing. a 5-point type.
Also called ep·i·the·li·al pearl [ep-uh-thee-lee-uhl purl] /ˌɛp əˈθi li əl ˈpɜrl/ .Pathology. a rounded mass of keratin occurring in certain carcinomas of the skin.
to adorn or stud with or as if with pearls: The crown, newly pearled and gilded, shone in the candlelight.
to make like pearls, as in form or color: Opalescent discs of abalone shell caught the light and pearled it back in many colors.
to dive, fish, or search for mollusks that produce beads within their shells: While pearling near the coast, they discovered the remains of a centuries-old shipwreck.
to assume a pearllike form or appearance: A tear pearled on her lashes.
resembling the gemstone produced by certain mollusks in form or color: The dress is a lovely pearl gray.
of or relating to pearls: If you really want to splurge, book a trip to go pearl diving in French Polynesia.An eco-friendly pearl farming industry could decrease heavy metals in the water and bring economic benefits to this region.
set with a pearl or pearls, or covered or inlaid with pearls or mother-of-pearl: She wore a navy blue suit and a pearl necklace.
having or reduced to small, rounded grains: Pearl millet is a common crop of the region.
Idioms about pearl
cast pearls before swine, to offer or give something of great value to those incapable of appreciating it: She read them Shakespeare but it was casting pearls before swine.
pearls in your oysters, good luck to you (often used when parting or in thanks): Well, I've got to go now—pearls in your oysters.
Origin of pearl
1Other words from pearl
- pearl·er, noun
- pearl·ish, adjective
- pearl·like, adjective
Other definitions for Pearl (2 of 2)
a town in central Mississippi.
a female given name.
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2024
British Dictionary definitions for pearl (1 of 2)
/ (pɜːl) /
a hard smooth lustrous typically rounded structure occurring on the inner surface of the shell of a clam or oyster: consists of calcium carbonate secreted in layers around an invading particle such as a sand grain; much valued as a gem: Related adjectives: margaric, margaritic
any artificial gem resembling this
See mother-of-pearl
a person or thing that is like a pearl, esp in beauty or value
a pale greyish-white colour, often with a bluish tinge
a size of printer's type, approximately equal to 5 point
of, made of, or set with pearl or mother-of-pearl
having the shape or colour of a pearl
(tr) to set with or as if with pearls
to shape into or assume a pearl-like form or colour
(intr) to dive or search for pearls
Origin of pearl
1British Dictionary definitions for pearl (2 of 2)
/ (pɜːl) /
a variant spelling of purl 1 (def. 2), purl 1 (def. 3), purl 1 (def. 5)
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 pearl
[ pûrl ]
A smooth, slightly iridescent, white or grayish rounded growth inside the shells of some mollusks. Pearls form as a reaction to the presence of a foreign particle, and consist of thin layers of mother-of-pearl that are deposited around the particle. The pearls of oysters are often valued as gems.
The American Heritage® Science Dictionary Copyright © 2011. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.
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