as in opalescent
having a rainbowlike play of colors the nacreous lining of the shell of a mollusk

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Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of nacreous Tiffany has a long-standing history with pearls, both nacreous—from oysters and mollusks—and non-nacreous, like Melo Melo pearls. Stellene Volandes, Town & Country, 20 Feb. 2021 Unfortunately, nacreous clouds also support chemical reactions that convert benign chlorine-containing molecules into a form that destroys Earth’s ozone layer. Rebecca Coffey, Discover Magazine, 29 Jan. 2012 Quahogs produce non-nacreous, porcelainlike pearls, according to the Gemological Institute of America. Shannon Marvel McNaught, USA TODAY, 16 Aug. 2022
Recent Examples of Synonyms for nacreous
Adjective
  • The Ellipse required 90 cm of gold wire shaped by hand and 20 shades of opaque and opalescent enamel, while the table clock used over 16 m of gold wire in three different widths and 45 shades of mainly translucent enamel mixed with some semi-translucent or opaque versions of the material.
    Paige Reddinger, Robb Report, 24 Mar. 2025
  • Nor could anyone ever be a better pal to Leslie than Ann, opalescent tree shark.
    Kevin Jacobsen, EW.com, 19 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • Hill's featured a cutout metallic bodice and iridescent cape while Palvin's had a thigh-high slit and a wide portrait neckline.
    Michelle Lee, People.com, 5 Mar. 2025
  • The silvery, iridescent oarfish was captured on video washing onto the shores of Playa El Quemado in Baja California Sur, making a rare appearance in broad daylight.
    Sydney Borchers, Fox News, 18 Feb. 2025
Adjective
  • Keep It Fun: For a playful, on-trend look, try pairing your minidress with a colorful pair of sneakers.
    Ruhama Wolle, Glamour, 3 Apr. 2025
  • Nicholas Galitzine rocked a very buff physique training to be He-Man, and director Travis Knight showcased many of the colorful heroes and villains, including Jared Leto as the evil Skeletor.
    Brian Truitt, USA Today, 3 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • From the golden glow of the Brut Impérial to the soft pearlescent white of the Nectar Impérial Rosé, these bottles, which are dressed to impress, also add an element of luxury to birthday festivities.
    Elizabeth Ayoola, Essence, 4 Apr. 2025
  • In a collection inspired by opulent and grand interiors, Ganni played with velvet-touch zebra denim, cozy knit denim and pearlescent denim.
    Angela Velasquez, Sourcing Journal, 12 Mar. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Nacreous.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/nacreous. Accessed 13 Apr. 2025.

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