1. a smooth, rounded bead formed within the shells of certain mollusks and composed of the mineral aragonite or calcite in a matrix, deposited in concentric layers as a protective coating around an irritating foreign object: valued as a gem when lustrous and finely colored.
2. something resembling a bead formed in the shells of certain mollusks, such as various synthetic substances for use in costume jewelry: The pearls on this rosary are made of glass and protected by silver-plated double filigree caps.
3. something similar in form, luster, etc., to a bead formed in the shells of certain mollusks, such as a dewdrop or a capsule of medicine: She wiped the pearls of sweat from her forehead.
4. something precious or choice; the finest example of anything: An older couple offered us some pearls of wisdom about keeping a marriage healthy.The pearl of the museum's collection is one of Van Gogh's paintings, but there are many other things worth seeing.
5. a very pale gray approaching white but commonly with a bluish tinge: We wanted to paint the walls eggshell at first, but we ultimately decided on a cooler color and went with pearl.
6. mother-of-pearl (usually used in combination): His collection includes a beautiful antique pearl-handled revolver.
7. a 5-point type.
8. a rounded mass of keratin occurring in certain carcinomas of the skin.

9. to adorn or stud with or as if with pearls: The crown, newly pearled and gilded, shone in the candlelight.
10. to make like pearls, as in form or color: Opalescent discs of abalone shell caught the light and pearled it back in many colors.

11. to dive, fish, or search for mollusks that produce beads within their shells: While pearling near the coast, they discovered the remains of a centuries-old shipwreck.
12. to assume a pearllike form or appearance: A tear pearled on her lashes.

13. resembling the gemstone produced by certain mollusks in form or color: The dress is a lovely pearl gray.
14. of or relating to pearls: If you really want to splurge, book a trip to go pearl diving in French Polynesia.An eco-friendly pearl farming industry could decrease heavy metals in the water and bring economic benefits to this region.
15. set with a pearl or pearls, or covered or inlaid with pearls or mother-of-pearl: She wore a navy blue suit and a pearl necklace.
16. having or reduced to small, rounded grains: Pearl millet is a common crop of the region.

17. to offer or give something of great value to those incapable of appreciating it: She read them Shakespeare but it was casting pearls before swine.
18. good luck to you (often used when parting or in thanks): Well, I've got to go now—pearls in your oysters.

1. a town in central Mississippi.
2. a female given name.

1. a hard smooth lustrous typically rounded structure occurring on the inner surface of the shell of a clam or oyster: consists of calcium carbonate secreted in layers around an invading particle such as a sand grain; much valued as a gem
2. any artificial gem resembling this
3. See mother-of-pearl
4. a person or thing that is like a pearl, esp in beauty or value
5. a pale greyish-white colour, often with a bluish tinge
6. a size of printer's type, approximately equal to 5 point

7. of, made of, or set with pearl or mother-of-pearl
8. having the shape or colour of a pearl

9. to set with or as if with pearls
10. to shape into or assume a pearl-like form or colour
11. to dive or search for pearls

1. a variant spelling of purl 1 (def. 2), purl 1 (def. 3), purl 1 (def. 5)

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