Dictionary > Pearl

Pearl

pearl
1. (Science: marine biology, zoology) A shelly concretion, usually rounded, and having a brilliant luster, with varying tints, found in the mantle, or between the mantle and shell, of certain bivalve mollusks, especially in the pearl oysters and river mussels, and sometimes in certain univalves. It is usually due to a secretion of shelly substance around some irritating foreign particle. Its substance is the same as nacre, or mother-of-pearl. Pearls which are round, or nearly round, and of fine luster, are highly esteemed as jewels, and compare in value with the precious stones.
2. Hence, figuratively, something resembling a pearl; something very precious. I see thee compassed with thy kingdom’s pearl. (Shak) And those pearls of dew she wears. (milton)
3. Nacre, or mother-of-pearl.
4. (Science: marine biology) A fish allied to the turbot; the brill.
5. (Science: ornithology) A light-coloured tern.
6. (Science: zoology) One of the circle of tubercles which form the bur on a deer’s antler.
7. A whitish speck or film on the eye.
8. A capsule of gelatin or similar substance containing some liquid for medicinal application, as ether.
9. A size of type, between agate and diamond. This line is printed in the type called pearl. Ground pearl.
(Science: zoology) A crystallized variety of dolomite, having a pearly luster. Pearl white. Basic bismuth nitrate, or bismuth subchloride; used chiefly as a cosmetic. A variety of white lead blued with indigo or Berlin blue.
Origin: OE. Perle, F. Perle, LL. Perla, perula, probably fr. (assumed) L. Pirulo, dim. Of L. Pirum a pear. See Pear, and cf. Purl to mantle.


You will also like...

Stem
Stems

Stems primarily provide plants structural support. This tutorial includes lectures on the external form of a woody twig ..

Body temperature regulation by the hypothalamus
Temperature Regulation in Animals

This tutorial elucidates body temperature regulation. Know the details here to learn how the body sets the body temperat..

Sigmund Freud and Carl Gustav Jung
Sigmund Freud and Carl Gustav Jung

In this tutorial, the works of Carl Gustav Jung and Sigmund Freud are described. Both of them actively pursued the way h..

3D rendering of an antibody
Passive and Active Types of Immunity

Lymphocytes are a type of white blood cell capable of producing a specific immune response to unique antigens. In thi..

The process of photosynthesis
Photosynthesis – Photolysis and Carbon Fixation

Photosynthesis is the process that plants undertake to create organic materials from carbon dioxide and water, with the ..

Still freshwater and plants
Still Freshwater & Plants

Plants in lentic habitats have features not found in terrestrial plants. They acquired these features as they adapt to t..

Related Articles...

No related articles found

See all Related Topics