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pearl

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pearl
pearl /pɜːl $ pɜːrl/ noun
 Date: 1300-1400
 Language: Old French
 Origin: perle, from Vulgar Latin pernula, from Latin perna 'mussel'
1.  JEWEL  [countable] a small round white object that forms inside an oyster, and is a valuable jewel:
    a pearl necklace
    a string of pearls (=a necklace made of pearls)
2.  HARD SUBSTANCE  [uncountable] a hard shiny substance of various colours formed inside some shellfish, which is used for making buttons or to make objects look attractive
   SYN  mother-of-pearl
3. pearls of wisdom wise remarks – used especially when you really think that someone’s remarks are slightly stupid:
    Thank you for those pearls of wisdom, Emma.
4. cast/throw pearls before swine formal to give something valuable to someone who does not understand its value
5.  LIQUID  [countable] literary a small round drop of liquid:
    the pearls of the morning dew
6.  EXCELLENT THING/PERSON  [countable usually singular] old-fashioned someone or something that is especially good or valuable
    pearl among
    She’s a pearl among women.