<p><strong>noun</strong></p><ul><li>a smooth, rounded bead formed within the shells of certain mollusks and composed of the mineral aragonite or calcite in a matrix, deposited in concentric layers as a protective coating around an irritating foreign object: valued as a gem when lustrous and finely colored.</li><li>something resembling a bead formed in the shells of certain mollusks, such as various synthetic substances for use in costume jewelry: The pearls on this rosary are made of glass and protected by silver-plated double filigree caps.</li><li>something similar in form, luster, etc., to a bead formed in the shells of certain mollusks, such as a dewdrop or a capsule of medicine: She wiped the pearls of sweat from her forehead.</li><li>something precious or choice; the finest example of anything: An older couple offered us some pearls of wisdom about keeping a marriage healthy.</li><li>a very pale gray approaching white but commonly with a bluish tinge: We wanted to paint the walls eggshell at first, but we ultimately decided on a cooler color and went with pearl.</li><li>mother-of-pearl (usually used in combination): His collection includes a beautiful antique pearl-handled revolver.</li><li>Printing: a 5-point type.</li><li>Pathology: a rounded mass of keratin occurring in certain carcinomas of the skin.</li></ul>