PEARL

[noun] - (the substance which forms) a small round object, usually white, that forms around a grain of sand inside the shell of esp. an oyster (= a sea animal with a large flat shell), which is valuable because it is rare, and which is used to make jewelleryearrings of diamond and pearl [U]a string/rope/necklace of pearls [C]a pearl necklace/brooch(figurative) There were pearls (= drops) of dew on the shiny leaves. [C]Cultured pearls are those made by putting very small hard objects into oyster shells and allowing pearls to form round them.Pearl also means the creamy white shiny colour of pearl or a pale colour.a pearl silk wedding dresspearl grey glovesPearl is also mother-of-pearla pearl-handled knifepearl buttonsSee at mother (PARENT).(UK) A pearl of great price is something which has great value but not always financial value.Patience is a pearl of great price.A pearl diver is a person who swims deep down into the sea to find shells containing pearls.