Etymology
The word "nacreous" is derived from the Latin word "nacreus," meaning "mother-of-pearl." "Nacre" is a substance that lines the inner shells of mollusks and gives them their iridescent appearance.
Meaning and Origin
The term "nacreous" refers to anything that has a similar appearance to mother-of-pearl. This includes surfaces that are:
Nacre is composed of multiple thin layers of calcium carbonate (CaCO3) arranged in a brick-like structure. This structure acts as a diffraction grating, scattering light into different wavelengths and producing the iridescent and pearly appearance.
In nature, nacreous effects can be seen in:
Nacreous materials have been used for centuries in jewelry, art, and decorative objects due to their beautiful appearance.
Etymology Proto Romance nac c ara Late Latin naccara plural meaning mother of pear
Etymology The word pearl originates from the Old French word perle which in turn co
Etymology From Middle French indiscret from Late Latin indiscrētus from Latin discer
Etymology The term indiscrete derives from the Latin word indiscrētus meaning und
Etymology The word girl is derived from the Middle English word girl which in turn
Etymology The word plague comes from the Latin word plaga which means blow or wo
Etymology The word solstice is derived from the Latin word solstitium which means s
Etymology The word pilot is derived from the Old Provençal word pilote which in tu
Etymology The term clotheshorse originated from the combination of two words Clothes
Etymology The word stock has several origins Old English stocc trunk of a tree
