as in opalescent
having a rainbowlike play of colors
the nacreous lining of the shell of a mollusk
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Examples 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
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
-
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
-
The Shiz student who will become The Good Witch has a kind of classical elegance — Hannon says she was inspired by Princess Grace, particularly with Grande’s hair — and skin that is opalescent.—
Sarah Shachat,
IndieWire,
23 Dec. 2024
Adjective
-
But the slightly iridescent animal turned out to be a new species.—
Aspen Pflughoeft,
Miami Herald,
16 Jan. 2025
-
The water is emerald and aquamarine in color, sometimes naturally iridescent with rainbow shimmers.—
Ann Abel,
Forbes,
15 Jan. 2025
Adjective
-
Sofia Jeans by Sofia Vergara Strapless Ruffle Dress This Sofia Jeans by Sofia Vergara strapless dress is now just $9 and comes in a colorful floral print or black to suit your style.—
Ali Faccenda,
People.com,
9 Jan. 2025
-
Years ago, for appearances, the actress would lean on colorful separates to point to her affinity for bold hues and patterns.—
Robyn Mowatt,
Essence,
9 Jan. 2025
Adjective
-
Every shade has a pearlescent, subtly shimmery finish that creates a brightening, radiance-boosting effect all skin types (including those with mature or dry qualities) can benefit from.—
Jennifer Hussein,
Allure,
28 Dec. 2024
-
Chanel nail artist Betina R. Goldstein uses a pearlescent powder to give nude nails a shimmery iridescent shine before placing real freshwater pearls all over.—
Audrey Noble,
Vogue,
19 Dec. 2024
Thesaurus Entries Near nacreous
Cite this Entry
“Nacreous.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/nacreous. Accessed 22 Jan. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share