Pearl

/pɜːl/ · noun

Meaning

(literally) A shelly concretion, usually rounded, and having a brilliant luster, with varying tints, found in the mantle, or between the mantle and shell, of certain bivalve mollusks, especially in the pearl oysters and river mussels, and sometimes in certain univalves. It is usually due to a secretion of shelly substance around some irritating foreign particle. Its substance is the same as nacre, or mother-of-pearl. Round lustrous pearls are used in jewellery..

Definitions by Sense

1. (literally) A shelly concretion, usually rounded, and having a brilliant luster, with varying tints, found in the mantle, or between the mantle and shell, of certain bivalve mollusks, especially in the pearl oysters and river mussels, and sometimes in certain univalves. It is usually due to a secretion of shelly substance around some irritating foreign particle. Its substance is the same as nacre, or mother-of-pearl. Round lustrous pearls are used in jewellery.
2. (figuratively) Something precious.
3. A capsule of gelatin or similar substance containing liquid for, e.g., medicinal application.
4. A whitish speck or film on the eye.
5. A fish allied to the turbot; the brill.
6. A light-colored tern.
7. One of the circle of tubercles which form the bur on a deer's antler.
8. A fringe or border.

Example Sentences

I see thee compassed with thy kingdom's pearl.

Hugh helped himself to bacon. "My dear fellow, she can think what she likes so long as she continues to grill bacon like this. Your wife is a treasure, James—a pearl amongst women; and you can tell her so with my love."

Boast not of your eyes; it is feared you have Balaam's disease, a pearl in your eye, Mammon's prestriction.

clinical pearls

My mouth and tongue finally find her pearl. Her clitoris.

Teasing her pearl she shakes in my arms, rolling her eyes and throwing the pussy at me.

Errol. Pearl three Escutcheons Ruby. / Elgin. Topaz a Saltier and Chief Ruby, on a Canton Pearl a Lyon Rampant Saphyr, which last is their paternal Coat; and the Field Topaz, and Saltier, and Chief Ruby, was the Arms of King Robert the Bruce, they altering the Field from Pearl (as he bore it) to Topaz.

The Field is Ruby, on a Bend Topaz, three Martlets Diamond. The Armes of the most Noble and Puissant Lord, Edward Brabazon, Earl of Meath, and Baron of Atherdee in the Kingdom of Ireland. His Lordship's Atchievements are Quarterly of sixteen Coats. 1. Brabazon, as above. 2. Diamond, on a Chevron between three Pickaxes Pearl, as many Mullets Ruby, by the Name of Mosley. 3. Saphire, ten Bezants, 4, 3, 2, 1, by the Bisset. 4. Pearl, on a Bend Diamond, nine Annulets conjoined in three Links Topaz.

Synonyms for pearl

Antonyms for pearl

Related Words

Word Forms

• pearls
• pearling
• pearled

Usage Notes

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