Webster's English Dictionary

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pearl

1. pearl \'p*r(-*)l\ n [ME perle, fr. MF, fr. (assumed) VL pernula, dim. of 
   L perna]haunch, sea mussel; akin to OE fiersn heel, Gk pterne- 1a: a dense 
   variously colored and usu. lustrous concretion formed of concen tric layers 
   of nacre as an abnormal growth within the shell of some mollusks and used 
   as a gem 1b: MOTHER-OF-PEARL  2: one that is very choice or precious  3: 
   something resembling a pearl intrinsically or physically  4: a nearly 
   neutral slightly bluish medium gray 
2. pearl \'p*r-lin\ \'p*r-l*r\ vb or pearl.ing 1: to set or adorn with 
   pearls  2: to sprinkle or bead with pearly drops  3: to form into small 
   round grains  4: to give a pearly color or luster to  1: to form drops or 
   beads like pearls  2: to fish or search for pearls  - pearl.er n
3. pearl aj 1a: of, relating to, or resembling pearl  1b: made of or 
   adorned with pearls  2: having grains of medium size 
4. pearl nor vt [alter. of purl] Brit  : PICOT