mother of pearl
Lustrous shell lining
Mother of pearl is the iridescent inner layer of certain mollusk shells, especially oysters and abalones.
It forms naturally as the animal deposits thin layers of nacre, creating a lustrous surface that shifts color in light.
Prized for decorative inlays, buttons, and jewelry: mother-of-pearl cufflinks, a guitar with mother-of-pearl inlay.
The phrase also serves as a mild oath, a euphemistic substitute for "motherfucker": Oh, mother of pearl, I forgot my wallet!
Embedded surface ornamentation
- marquetryDecorative veneer patterning
- veneerDecorative outer layer
- carvingShaping by cutting away
- engravingCarving into hard surfaces
buttons · tiles · laminate · sheets · blanks · finishing · polishing · cutting
Pearl-bearing edible mollusk
Tremulous, wavering light
- opalescentShowing milky iridescence
- sheenSoft surface luster
- prismaticLight-dispersing, multicolored
- rainbowRefracted light arc
lustrous · gleaming · pearlescent · nacreous · glimmer · luminous · reflective · glossy
Iridescent shell coating
- aragoniteCalcium carbonate crystal form
- calcium carbonateMineral in shells and marble
- laminarArranged in thin layers
- compositeMade of distinct parts
coating · organic · layers · secretion · crystalline · durable · smooth · hardness
Suspended jewelry ornament
- earringsJewelry worn on lobes
- broochDecorative fastening ornament
- necklaceNeck-worn ornament
- braceletOrnamental wrist band
cufflinks · cameo · locket · ring · beads · cabochon · setting · charm
Thing that beautifies
- lacquerwareResin-finished decorative objects
- mosaicInlaid pictorial arrangement
- fretworkInterlocking ornamental design
- intarsiaDecorative inlaid pattern technique
scrimshaw · trinket box · picture frame · mirror frame · fan · comb · snuff box · chess pieces
inlay
Embedded surface ornamentation
engraving · buttons · tiles · laminate · sheets · blanks · finishing · polishing · cutting · overlay
oyster
Pearl-bearing edible mollusk
- abaloneNacreous marine gastropod
- molluskSoft-bodied invertebrate, often shelled
- nautilusChambered marine mollusk
mussel · conch · bivalve · gastropod · shell · marine · sea snail
shimmer
Tremulous, wavering light
- opalescentShowing milky iridescence
- sheenSoft surface luster
- prismaticLight-dispersing, multicolored
rainbow · lustrous · gleaming · pearlescent · nacreous · glimmer · luminous · reflective · glossy · silky
nacre
Iridescent shell coating
- aragoniteCalcium carbonate crystal form
- calcium carbonateMineral in shells and marble
- laminarArranged in thin layers
composite · coating · organic · layers · secretion · crystalline · durable · smooth · hardness · brittle
pendant
Suspended jewelry ornament
bracelet · cufflinks · cameo · locket · ring · beads · cabochon · setting · charm · amulet
ornament
Thing that beautifies
- lacquerwareResin-finished decorative objects
- mosaicInlaid pictorial arrangement
- fretworkInterlocking ornamental design
intarsia · scrimshaw · trinket box · picture frame · mirror frame · fan · comb · snuff box · chess pieces · rosary
- iridescent gemsopal, labradorite, moonstone, ammolite, fire opal
- animal productswool, leather, hide, pelt, fur
- jewelry materialsgold, silver, diamond, ruby, sapphire
- layered thingslasagna, cake, onion, layer cake, plywood
- luxury decorchandelier, gilded mirrors, crystal vase, crystal chandeliers, silk curtains
- natural materialsstone, wood, clay, bone, leather
mother of pearlmatte
Non-reflective surface finish
dull · lusterless · rough · coarse · unpolished
mother, pearl, mothers, mothered, mothering, motherly, motherhood, pearls, pearly