nacreous

adjective

ˈnā-krē-əs How to pronounce nacreous (audio)
Definition of nacreousnext
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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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 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 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 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 The cold air the storm blew in also led to the formation of beautiful nacreous clouds. — National Geographic, 3 Feb. 2016 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
Recent Examples of Synonyms for nacreous
  1. opalescent
  2. iridescent
  3. colorful
  4. pearlescent
Adjective
  • On the lagoon, villas open out onto sweeping wooden decks with opalescent plunge pools, cabanas, floor hammocks that hover over the sea as well as steps that lead right into it.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 1 June 2026
  • Look to opalescent chrome powders, which can shift from pink to blue to green and give a milky white manicure underneath some unexpected pizzazz.
    — Kara Jillian Brown, InStyle, 23 May 2026
Definition of opalescent
Adjective
  • Sip on your potions with an iridescent coffee mug this Halloween season.
    — Michele Laufik, Martha Stewart, 12 Aug. 2026
  • The dress was designed to evoke the iridescent quality of mother of pearl with a beaded leather bustier and a multi-layered pleated silk chiffon skirt that was hand-painted to mimic the shiny surface of shells.
    — Kevin Huynh, InStyle, 31 July 2026
Definition of iridescent
Adjective
  • Frosted glass walls reveal a garden of oversize, colorful leather flowers, while wood and leather, recurring materials in Polène’s stores, appear in the furnishings.
    — Ryma Chikhoune, Footwear News, 16 Oct. 2026
  • Other suites are even more striking, covered from head to toe in a flora wallpaper and bright, colorful custom furniture.
    — Nicole Hoey, Robb Report, 15 Oct. 2026
Definition of colorful
Adjective
  • The elastic waistband shouldn’t dig into your skin no matter how long you’re seated for, and the practically pearlescent fabric will be a standout in photos throughout your vacation.
    — Merrell Readman, Travel + Leisure, 5 Aug. 2026
  • Casillas then swept a champagne color under her brows and a shimmery, pearlescent hue underneath her lower lashline, and paired the blue eye shadow with fluttery lashes and majorly dewy pink blush.
    — Kara Nesvig, Allure, 9 July 2026
Definition of pearlescent

Browse Nearby Words

nabs
nacreous
nadir
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Cite this Entry

“Nacreous.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/nacreous. Accessed 21 Oct. 2026.

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