pearl oyster

noun

1. any of several marine bivalve mollusks of the family Pteriidae, some of which form pearls of great value, inhabiting waters of eastern Asia and off the coasts of Panama and Baja California.

pearl oyster

noun

1. any of various tropical marine bivalves of the genus Pinctada and related genera: a major source of pearls

Word History and Origins

Origin of pearl oyster¹

First recorded in 1685–95

Example Sentences

A one-shouldered dress included crystals, silver beads and pearl oyster mushroom embroidery on an invisible tulle base.

From Seattle Times

But the project has faced scrutiny since 2017, when China’s central environmental inspection team found it had damaged coral reefs and endangered the habitat of pearl oysters, a protected species.

From Washington Post

Grow pearl oyster mushrooms indoors or upgrade to a variety pack.

From Washington Post

Vacationers are offered educational boat rides through the fierce ocean currents that swirl above the pearl oyster banks.

From Wall Street Journal

Also found among the burials were the shells of Pinctadamaxima, a species of pearl oyster.

From Washington Times