pearl-shell

A diver carefully retrieves a pearl-shell from the ocean floor.

Definition

1. Noun:
   • Mother-of-pearl: "pearl-shell" refers to the iridescent inner layer of certain mollusc shells, such as those of oysters or abalones, which is used for ornamental purposes. It is also commonly called mother-of-pearl.
   • The shell itself: "pearl-shell" can also denote the actual shell of a mollusc that produces pearls, especially the nacreous (pearly) layer.

Usage Examples

• (The craftsperson worked with the iridescent shell material.)
• (Buttons made from mother-of-pearl were popular in the past.)
• (Divers harvested the shells of pearl-producing molluscs.)

Advanced Usage

• "pearl-shell fishery": a fishing industry focused on harvesting pearl-producing molluscs for their shells and pearls.

  • The pearl-shell fishery in the South Pacific was a major economic activity in the 19th century. (The industry of gathering pearl shells was significant.)

• "pearl-shell inlay": a decorative technique where pieces of mother-of-pearl are set into wood or metal surfaces.

  • The antique desk featured exquisite pearl-shell inlay on its top. (The desk had ornamental designs made from mother-of-pearl.)

Variants and Related Words

• Pearl (n): a hard, lustrous gem formed inside the shell of a mollusc.

  • She wore a necklace of natural pearls. (A string of gemstones from molluscs.)

• Shell (n): the hard protective outer covering of a mollusc or crustacean.

  • The turtle retracted into its shell. (The animal's protective casing.)

• Nacre (n): the iridescent substance that forms pearls and the inner layer of some shells (synonym for mother-of-pearl).

  • The nacre on the inside of the abalone shell was beautiful. (The pearly layer.)

Synonyms

• Mother-of-pearl: the iridescent inner layer of certain shells.
• Nacre: the scientific term for mother-of-pearl.

Related Idioms