[pearl] n [ME perle, fr. MF, prob. fr. (assumed) VL pernula, dim. of L perna upper leg, kind of sea mussel; akin to OE fiersn heel, Gk pterne] (14c) 1 a: a dense variously colored and usu. 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
2: one that is very choice or precious
3: something resembling a pearl intrinsically or physically
4: a nearly neutral slightly bluish medium gray
[2]pearl vt (14c) 1: to set or adorn with pearls
2: to sprinkle or bead with pearly drops
3: to form into small round grains
4: to give a pearly color or luster to ~ vi 1: to form drops or beads like pearls
2: to fish or search for pearls -- pearl.er n [3]pearl adj (1610) 1 a: of, relating to, or resembling pearl b: made of or adorned with pearls
2: having medium-sized grains [4]pearl n or vt [alter. of purl] (1824) Brit: picot