nacre

[ ney-ker ]

noun

1. mother-of-pearl.

nacre

/ ˈneɪkə /

noun

1. the technical name for mother-of-pearl

nacre

/ nā′kər /

1. See mother-of-pearl

Derived Forms

• ˈnacred, adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of nacre¹

1590–1600; < Medieval Latin nacrum, nacer, variant of nacara < Old Italian naccara kind of drum, nacre < Arabic naqqārah drum

Word History and Origins

Origin of nacre¹

C16: via French from Old Italian naccara, from Arabic naqqārah shell, drum

Example Sentences

In this case, the formation of nacre layers of different thicknesses may appear random, but is actually dependent on the thickness of previous layers.

From Science News

A pearl’s symmetrical growth as it lays down layers of nacre relies on the mollusk balancing two basic capabilities, Otter and her colleagues discovered.

From Science News

The floor was made of mats woven from strips of shell-nacre, bound at the sides with an inch border of pink coral.

From Project Gutenberg

The specimens collected by Mr. Schoolcraft, vary much in the color of the nacre.

From Project Gutenberg

He lifted a small hammer and struck a velvet-voiced bell that stood on the Arabian table of cedar inlaid with nacre and ivory.

From Project Gutenberg

Purplish bivalves and enormous nacre-lined conch shells lay upon the tables.

From Project Gutenberg

In the lower part is a dark clay with Pholadomya margaritacea, still preserving the pearly nacre.

From Project Gutenberg