as in opalescent
having a rainbowlike play of colors
the nacreous lining of the shell of a mollusk
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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
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
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
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
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
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
Adjective
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The pensive sophistication and opalescent style with which the film unparcels its ideas might not please arthouse crowds wanting broader emotional gestures, but Dulude-De Celles may be a festival-circuit major in the making.—
Guy Lodge,
Variety,
16 Feb. 2026
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The aesthetic includes silver, opalescent, and holographic home accents, like the West Elm Pearl Iridescent Glass Votives.—
Jamie Weissman,
Better Homes & Gardens,
16 Dec. 2025
Adjective
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In a selfie video, Klum styled her signature long blonde hair in an effortless blowout with face-framing curtain bangs, showing off an iridescent high-octane blue and purple eyeshadow look.—
Lara Walsh,
InStyle,
17 Feb. 2026
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Its iridescent emerald feathers sparkle against its dazzling pink throat.—
Kier Holmes,
Martha Stewart,
18 Jan. 2026
Adjective
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Food is colorful, local, and seasonal, using Hokkaido ingredients with a French edge, helmed by chef Tatsuya Ozeki.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
26 Feb. 2026
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Try these colorful, mini versions for a fun appetizer.—
Jenna Sims,
Southern Living,
25 Feb. 2026
Adjective
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The Montreal producer’s pearlescent new album renders heartbreak and obsession in patient waves of ambient, dub techno, and progressive house.—
Kiana Mickles,
Pitchfork,
17 Feb. 2026
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Hasbro is offering the magical weapons that HUNTR/X carry, including Rumi’s Four Tiger blade (a pearlescent foam blade), Mira’s Curved Moon Sword, and Zoey’s Spirit Blades.—
Laura Sirikul,
Forbes.com,
28 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Nacreous.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/nacreous. Accessed 27 Feb. 2026.
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