meerschaum
/'miəʃəm/
Definition
- Noun:
- A white, clay-like mineral: A soft, white, porous mineral (hydrated magnesium silicate) that is easily carved when wet and hardens when dry. It is also known as sepiolite.
- A tobacco pipe: A pipe for smoking tobacco, characterized by a bowl carved from this white mineral.
Examples of Usage
- Noun (Mineral):
- The artisan carved a delicate figurine from a block of meerschaum.
- Meerschaum is prized for its ability to absorb nicotine and oils.
- Noun (Pipe):
- He puffed thoughtfully on his ornate meerschaum.
- Collectors value antique meerschaums for their intricate carvings.
Advanced Usage
- "To color a meerschaum": Refers to the process where a meerschaum pipe bowl gradually changes color, typically to a golden or reddish-brown hue, as it is smoked and absorbs tars. This is often seen as a sign of a well-used and cared-for pipe.
- After years of smoking, his meerschaum had colored to a beautiful honey brown.
Variants and Related Words
- Sepiolite (n): The technical mineralogical name for meerschaum.
- Meerschaum pipe (n phrase): The full term for a pipe made from this material.
Synonyms
- Mineral: Sepiolite, sea foam (literal translation from German).
- Pipe: (No direct single-word synonym; described as a tobacco pipe or specifically a ).
Related Phrases
- "To break in a meerschaum": The initial process of smoking a new meerschaum pipe carefully to develop an even cake and begin the coloring process.
- It's important to break in a meerschaum slowly to avoid cracking.
Related Idioms
- None commonly associated directly with the word "meerschaum."
Noun
-
a pipe having a bowl made of meerschaum
-
a white clayey mineral
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