pearl essence

noun

: a translucent substance that occurs in the silvery scales of various fish (such as herring) and is used in making artificial pearls, lacquers, and plastics

Word History

First Known Use

1854, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of pearl essence was in 1854

Dictionary Entries Near pearl essence

Cite this Entry

“Pearl essence.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/pearl%20essence. Accessed 15 Dec. 2024.

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!