as in opalescent
having a rainbowlike play of colors
the nacreous lining of the shell of a mollusk
Synonyms & Similar Words
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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
Markov processes include an element of randomness—in this case, the thickness of the outermost nacreous layer—but one that can be influenced by the system’s history.
—Leila Sloman, Popular Mechanics, 28 Feb. 2022
An alternative explanation is that the red skies were the result of nacreous clouds common to that particular latitude.
—Jennifer Ouellette, Ars Technica, 21 May 2020
Also called polar stratospheric clouds (or less precisely, rainbow clouds), nacreous clouds normally only form in high latitudes and at extremely cold temperatures.
—National Geographic, 3 Feb. 2016
The cold air the storm blew in also led to the formation of beautiful nacreous clouds.
—National Geographic, 3 Feb. 2016
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
Markov processes include an element of randomness—in this case, the thickness of the outermost nacreous layer—but one that can be influenced by the system’s history.
—Leila Sloman, Popular Mechanics, 28 Feb. 2022
An alternative explanation is that the red skies were the result of nacreous clouds common to that particular latitude.
—Jennifer Ouellette, Ars Technica, 21 May 2020
Also called polar stratospheric clouds (or less precisely, rainbow clouds), nacreous clouds normally only form in high latitudes and at extremely cold temperatures.
—National Geographic, 3 Feb. 2016
The cold air the storm blew in also led to the formation of beautiful nacreous clouds.
—National Geographic, 3 Feb. 2016
Recent Examples of Synonyms for nacreous
Adjective
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Pair the mystical hue with opalescent textures, like an inlaid mother-of-pearl side table.—
Lauren Thomann,
Better Homes & Gardens,
16 Jan. 2025
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In addition, a limited-edition Dior Grand Soir Automate watch features a mother-of-pearl dial and an opalescent snake with gold details.—
Tianwei Zhang,
WWD,
10 Jan. 2025
Adjective
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Exploring new techniques and tactile fabrications that emulate raw materials like steel, glass and leather — the Fall collection sees sculptural silhouettes crafted in glossy oil slick vinyls, iridescent silks, metallic lamé and intricate abstract embroideries that emulate tire tracks.—
Jackie Strause,
The Hollywood Reporter,
7 Feb. 2025
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Available in 15 colorways including denim, iridescent pink and baby blue, the collection is sold at walmart.com and in select Walmart stores.—
Hannah Malach,
WWD,
28 Jan. 2025
Adjective
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The quiet town of Frederick, Maryland, has been flying under the radar for years, though locals love it for its 19th-century architecture, colorful history, and wealth of independent shops and restaurants.—
Madeline Weinfield,
Travel + Leisure,
2 Feb. 2025
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Those colorful, mouthwatering displays, new products, and check-out aisle treats can be all too tempting to add to your cart.—
Karla Walsh,
Better Homes & Gardens,
1 Feb. 2025
Adjective
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Upon being named Best New Artist at last night’s ceremony, the 26-year-old singer took to the stage in a pointy cap (which promptly fell to the floor) and a robe that was scrunched into pearlescent folds.—
Spencer Kornhaber,
The Atlantic,
3 Feb. 2025
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Shades: 4 Key Ingredients: Rose wax, almond oil, light-reflecting pearlescent pigments How to choose the best foundation for aging skin As with other skin-care products, experts recommend picking a foundation with multifunctional, skin-loving properties.—
Kiana Murden,
Vogue,
31 Jan. 2025
Thesaurus Entries Near nacreous
Cite this Entry
“Nacreous.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/nacreous. Accessed 16 Feb. 2025.
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