The iridescent internal layer of a mollusk shell.

synonym: mother-of-pearl.

Roget 427: semitransparency, translucency, semiopacity; opalescence, milkiness, pearliness^†; gauze, muslin; film; mica, mother-of-pearl, nacre; mist etc. (cloud) 353.    [opalescent jewel] opal.    turbidity etc. 426.1. ... show more

Roget 440: variegation; colors, dichroism, trichroism; iridescence, play of colors, polychrome, maculation, spottiness, striae.    spectrum, rainbow, iris, tulip, peacock, chameleon, butterfly, tortoise shell; mackerel, mackerel sky; zebra, leopard, cheetah, nacre, ocelot, ophite^†, mother-of-pearl, opal, marble.    check, plaid, tartan, patchwork; marquetry-, parquetry; mosaic, tesserae^†, strigae^†; chessboard, checkers, chequers; harlequin; Joseph's coat; tricolor.    ... show more

Dutch: paarlemoer, parelmoer
Polish: macica perłowa, masa perłowa