Synonyms for pearls

Grammar : Noun

Spell : purl

Phonetic Transcription : pɜrl

Définition of pearls

Origin : mid-13c., from Old French perle (13c.) and directly from Medieval Latin perla (mid-13c.), of unknown origin. Perhaps from Vulgar Latin *pernula, diminutive of Latin perna, which in Sicily meant "pearl," earlier "sea-mussel," literally "ham, haunch, gammon," so called for the shape of the mollusk shells.
Other theories connect it with the root of pear, also somehow based on shape, or Latin pilula "globule," with dissimilation. The usual Latin word for "pearl" was margarita (see margarite).
For pearls before swine, see swine. Pearl Harbor translates Hawaiian Wai Momi, literally "pearl waters," so named for the pearl oysters found there; transferred sense of "effective sudden attack" is attested from 1942 (in reference to Dec. 7, 1941).

noun gem

Example sentences :

And the pearls, the young chief's necklace, what became of that?
Extract from : « The Trail Book » by Mary Austin

"I've been a fool," said Eileen, tugging at the pearls viciously.
Extract from : « Her Father's Daughter » by Gene Stratton-Porter

We are not feasting on baked swans, peacock tongues and drinking our pearls.
Extract from : « Her Father's Daughter » by Gene Stratton-Porter

Cecilia wore a silver crown, in which glistened the most brilliant of pearls.
Extract from : « The Dream » by Emile Zola

And with a low bow he handed to her a beautiful necklace of pearls.
Extract from : « Fair Margaret » by H. Rider Haggard

She always wore a chain of raindrops for pearls, and a cloud for a robe.
Extract from : « Classic Myths » by Mary Catherine Judd

She did not now betray the least emotion at the sight or mention of pearls or any other ornaments.
Extract from : « The Mudfog and Other Sketches » by Charles Dickens

The youth took the pearls out of the tortoise-shell, and put them in his pocket.
Extract from : « The Chinese Fairy Book » by Various

They had a number of jars of precious stones and pearls that shone by night.
Extract from : « The Chinese Fairy Book » by Various

Those who dwell in that place weave mats of pearls and precious stones.
Extract from : « The Chinese Fairy Book » by Various

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Based on : Thesaurus.com - Gutenberg.org - Dictionary.com - Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019