pearl /pɜːl $ pɜːrl/
noun[
Date: 1300-1400;
Language: Old French;
Origin: perle, from Vulgar Latin pernula, from Latin perna 'mussel']
1. JEWEL [countable] a small round white object that forms inside an
oyster, and is a valuable jewel:
a pearl necklace a string of pearls (=a necklace made of pearls)2. HARD SUBSTANCE [uncountable] a hard shiny substance of various colours formed inside some
shellfish, which is used for making buttons or to make objects look attractive
Synonym : mother-of-pearl3. pearls of wisdom wise remarks – used especially when you really think that someone’s remarks are slightly stupid:
Thank you for those pearls of wisdom, Emma.4. cast/throw pearls before swine formal to give something valuable to someone who does not understand its value
5. LIQUID [countable] literary a small round drop of liquid:
the pearls of the morning dew6. EXCELLENT THING/PERSON [countable usually singular] old-fashioned someone or something that is especially good or valuable
pearl among She’s a pearl among women. [TahlilGaran] Dictionary of Contemporary English ▲