noun / verb

pearl

PURL/pɜːrl/

A lustrous bead formed inside a mollusk such as an oyster.

A smooth, lustrous pearl rests inside the opened oyster.

A close-up of an opened pearl oyster with one smooth, round, lustrous pearl nestled in its soft mantle tissue, visibly connecting the gem to the mollusk that formed it.

Etymology

Latin perla already named this mollusk-produced gem, but its earlier origin is unknown. The original image behind the name therefore remains uncertain.

In context

Inside the Hem26:18

Pearl necklace, you know what I mean? Like they were they were going for a vibe and I think the vibe is mother of the bride type thing.

Simplicity Sewing Patterns Spring 2022 Collection | First Impression Review

More examples

She wears a necklace strung with small pearls.
A pearl forms inside the oyster's shell.
Tiny drops of water pearl on the waxy leaf.

Forms

pearl · pearls · pearled · pearling

pearly adjective — Having the soft luster of pearls.

Similar words

gem: Gem is broader, covering precious stones as well as pearls.
bead: Bead describes a small rounded object, often manufactured for jewelry.