MOTHER-OF-PEARL


Meaning of MOTHER-OF-PEARL in English

I. ˈ ̷ ̷ ̷ ̷ ̷ ̷ˈ ̷ ̷ noun

( -s )

: the hard pearly iridescent internal layer of various mollusk shells (as of pearl oysters, river mussels, abalones) that is extensively used for making small articles (as buttons) and inlays : nacre ; sometimes : a shell or a shellfish having such a pearly layer

II. adjective

Etymology: mother-of-pearl (I)

: iridescent — used especially of the luster of a glaze or enamel

Webster's New International English Dictionary.      Новый международный словарь английского языка Webster.