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¹pearl

noun \ˈpər(-ə)l\

Definition of PEARL

a : a dense variously colored and usually lustrous concretion formed of concentric layers of nacre as an abnormal growth within the shell of some mollusks and used as a gem

b : mother-of-pearl

: one that is very choice or precious

: something resembling a pearl intrinsically or physically

: a nearly neutral slightly bluish medium gray

Origin of PEARL

Middle English perle, from Anglo-French, probably from Vulgar Latin *pernula, diminutive of Latin perna upper leg, kind of sea mussel; akin to Old English fiersn heel, Greek pternē

First Known Use: 14th century

Other Jewelry Terms

bijou, brilliant, chase, facet, lapidary, paste

²pearl

verb

Definition of PEARL

transitive verb

: to set or adorn with pearls

: to sprinkle or bead with pearly drops

: to form into small round grains

: to give a pearly color or luster to

intransitive verb

: to form drops or beads like pearls

: to fish or search for pearls

— pearl·er \ˈpər-lər\ noun

First Known Use of PEARL

14th century

Rhymes with PEARL

birl, curl, dirl, furl, hurl, merle, purl, skirl, squirrel, swirl, thirl, tirl, twirl, whirl

³pearl

adjective

Definition of PEARL

a : of, relating to, or resembling pearl

b : made of or adorned with pearls

: having medium-sized grains <pearl barley>

First Known Use of PEARL

1610

Other Jewelry Terms

bijou, brilliant, chase, facet, lapidary, paste

⁴pearl

noun or transitive verb

Definition of PEARL

British

: picot

Origin of PEARL

alteration of purl

First Known Use: 1824

Pearl

geographical name \ˈpər(-ə)l\

Definition of PEARL

river ab 410 miles (660 kilometers) S Mississippi flowing S into Gulf of Mexico

— see zhu

Rhymes with PEARL

birl, curl, dirl, furl, hurl, merle, pearl, purl, skirl, squirrel, swirl, thirl, tirl, twirl, whirl

PEARL Defined for Kids

pearl

noun \ˈpərl\

Definition of PEARL for Kids

: a smooth rounded shiny usually white body that is formed within the shell of some mollusks (as oysters) usually around an irritating particle which has gotten into the shell

: mother-of-pearl

: something like a pearl in shape, color, or value

Medical Dictionary