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Synonyms for pearls

Grammar : Noun
Spell : purl
Phonetic Transcription : pÉœrl

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