mother of pearl etymology

Etymology:

• Mother (n.): A woman who gives birth to or raises a child.
• of (prep.): Indicating a relationship between something and someone or something else.
• Pearl (n.): A hard, shiny object produced by some mollusks, especially oysters.

Meaning:

Mother-of-pearl refers to the iridescent lining of the inner shell of certain mollusks, particularly oysters and abalones. It is also known as nacre.

Origin:

The term "mother-of-pearl" originated in the 14th century as a translation of the Old French phrase "mere de perle," which literally means "mother of pearl." This phrase was used to describe the protective outer layer of the oyster or abalone shell, which nurtures and produces the pearl.

Over time, the phrase "mere de perle" was assimilated into English as "mother-of-pearl." The term is still commonly used today to refer to the iridescent lining of mollusks, which is valued for its beauty and durability in jewelry, art, and other decorative applications.

mother of pearl relate terms

• mother

  Etymology The word mother is derived from the Proto Indo European root m āter meanin

• nacre

  Etymology Proto Romance nac c ara Late Latin naccara plural meaning mother of pear

• Margaret

  Etymology Margaret is derived from the Middle English Marguerite which comes from the

• orient

  Etymology The word orient originates from the Old French orient which itself derive

• Maia

  Etymology Greek Μάια Maia Meaning Great Mother or Nurse Origin Mai

• margarin

  Etymology The word margarin comes from the Greek word margarites meaning pearl

• mamma

  Meaning Mother Female parent of a child Etymology From Latin mamma meaning bre

• crane

  Etymology The word crane derives from the Middle English word crann which in turn o

• shell

  Etymology The word shell comes from the Old Norse word skjel meaning husk or cov

• fiend

  Etymology The word fiend is ultimately derived from the Proto Germanic root fainijaz