1pearl1 (pɜːl
)
Definitions
noun
- a hard smooth lustrous typically rounded structure occurring on the inner surface of the shell of a clam or oyster: consists of calcium carbonate secreted in layers around an invading particle such as a sand grain; much valued as a gem margaricmargaritic
- any artificial gem resembling this
- See mother-of-pearl
- a person or thing that is like a pearl, esp in beauty or value
- a pale greyish-white colour, often with a bluish tinge
- a size of printer's type, approximately equal to 5 point
adjective
- of, made of, or set with pearl or mother-of-pearl
- having the shape or colour of a pearl
verb
- (tr) to set with or as if with pearls
- to shape into or assume a pearl-like form or colour
- (intr) to dive or search for pearls
Word Origin
C14: from Old French, from Vulgar Latin pernula (unattested), from Latin perna sea mussel2pearl2 (pɜːl)
Definitions
noun verb
- a variant spelling of purl1 (sense 2) , purl1 (sense 3) , purl1 (sense 5)
Translations
- British English:
pearl
A pearl is a hard, shiny, white, ball-shaped object which grows inside the shell of an oyster. Pearls are used for making jewellery....a string of pearls.pɜːl NOUN ...a string of pearls.
- Spanish:
perla
nf
- French:
perle
nf
- German:
Perle
nf
- Chinese: 珍珠 n
- Arabic: لُؤلُؤةٌ n
- Portuguese: pérola nf
- Russian: жемчужина nf
- Croatian: biser nm
- Czech: perla nf
- Danish: perle nutr
- Dutch: parel n
- Finnish: helmi n
- Greek: μαργαριτάρι nnt
- Italian: perla nf
- Japanese: 真珠 n
- Korean: 진주 n
- Norwegian: perle nm
- Polish: perła nf
- Brazilian Portuguese: pérola nf
- European Spanish:
perla
nf
- Swedish: pärla nutr
- Thai: ไข่มุก n
- Turkish: inci n
- Vietnamese: ngọc trai n
Usage examples
There was Chanel perfume and scented soaps, as well as a pearl comb and brush set.
, Web of Dreams (1990)It is available in a variety of colours like pearl gunmetal, dark gunmetal, blue ice and high polished silver.
Business Today (2003)The cycle continues, its essence both plain... and a pearl.
Globe and Mail (2003)The British poet Lord Byron loved the country - he called the ancient town of Dubrovnik `the pearl of the Adriatic".
Sun, News of the World (2004)There is no pearl without first there being grit in the oyster.
, THE WOMAN OF SUBSTANCE: The Life and Work of Barbara Taylor Bradford (2005)