pearl etymology

Etymology:

The word "pearl" originates from the Old French word "perle," which in turn comes from the Latin word "pirla," meaning "a round object." The Latin word "pirla" is thought to be derived from the Proto-Indo-European root "*per-," meaning "to wind around."

Meaning:

A pearl is a hard, round object formed by a mollusk, usually a pearl oyster. It is composed of layers of aragonite, a mineral form of calcium carbonate, and conchiolin, a protein. Pearls can vary in color, shape, and size, and are highly valued for their beauty and rarity.

Origin:

Pearls are formed when a foreign object, such as a grain of sand or a piece of shell, enters the mantle of a mollusk. In response, the mollusk secretes layers of aragonite and conchiolin around the object, forming a pearl. Pearls can take many years to form, and their size and quality depend on a variety of factors, including the type of mollusk, the size and shape of the irritant, and the water conditions.

Pearls have been prized by humans for centuries, and have been used in jewelry and other decorative items. In ancient times, pearls were considered a symbol of wealth and good fortune. Today, pearls remain a popular choice for jewelry, and are often used in engagement rings and other special occasions.

pearl relate terms

  • margarite

    Etymology The word margarite comes from the Greek word margarites which means pearl

  • Margaret

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

  • pear

    Etymology Middle English pere pere from Anglo French pere from Old French peire po

  • drop

    Etymology From Middle English droppe from Old English dropa ddropa drop small porti

  • bead

    Etymology The word bead comes from the Old English word bede which means prayer T

  • bone

    Etymology The word bone derives from the Proto Germanic bainaz meaning bone This r

  • 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

  • margarin

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

  • prod

    Etymology Latin prodere meaning to betray to expose Old French proder prower me

  • ivory

    Etymology From Middle English ivorie from Old French ivoire from Latin eburneus from