meerschaum

[ meer-shuhm, -shawm ]

noun

1. a mineral, hydrous magnesium silicate, H 4 Mg 2 Si 3 O 1 0 , occurring in white, claylike masses, used for ornamental carvings, for pipe bowls, etc.; sepiolite.
2. a tobacco pipe with a bowl made of this substance.

meerschaum

/ ˈmɪəʃəm /

noun

1. Also calledsepiolite a white, yellowish, or pink compact earthy mineral consisting of hydrated magnesium silicate: used to make tobacco pipes and as a building stone. Formula: Mg 2 Si 3 O 6 (OH) 4
2. a tobacco pipe having a bowl made of this mineral

Word History and Origins

Origin of meerschaum¹

1775–85; < German Meerschaum, equivalent to Meer sea ( mere ² ) + Schaum foam

Word History and Origins

Origin of meerschaum¹

C18: German, literally: sea foam

Example Sentences

Non-meerschaum smokers may not know what a delicate task this is, but once well begun the rest is comparatively easy.

From Project Gutenberg

It was a windy night and a sudden gust blew his tall hat into the river, and after it unfortunately dropped the meerschaum.

From Project Gutenberg

To colour a meerschaum was the ambition of smokers, swearing was considered neither low nor vulgar, and snuffing was fashionable.

From Project Gutenberg

Many a fine meerschaum keeps up its cheerful fire on a shilling a-week.

From Project Gutenberg

A German receiver can be washed out like a teacup, and the oil collected is of value, but a meerschaum should never be wetted.

From Project Gutenberg