ˈmi(ə)rshəm, -iəsh-, -ˌshȯm noun
( -s )
Etymology: German, a species of Alcyonacea, meerschaum, from meer sea + schaum froth, foam
1. : a mineral Mg 3 Si 4 O 10 (OH) 2 .4H 2 O consisting of a hydrous magnesium silicate that is an extremely light fine soft white clayey material used for tobacco pipes and dug chiefly in Asia Minor (hardness 2-2.5, specific gravity 2) — called also sepiolite
2. : a tobacco pipe made of meerschaum
3. : gravel 3