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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But sometimes the criteria for inclusion are murkier, as in Catherine Opie’s opalescent views of Lake Michigan, one for each season, hung with their horizons in line.—
Lori Waxman,
Chicago Tribune,
21 July 2025
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The formal coupes are polished using specialty techniques to reveal a reflective, opalescent finish.—
Maria Conti,
Better Homes & Gardens,
3 June 2025
Adjective
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TikTok has also fueled interest in colorful beetle and moth costumes, with creators showing off bold, iridescent patterns and playful, over-the-top designs.—
Elizabeth Fogarty,
Better Homes & Gardens,
6 Oct. 2025
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The color is a quintessential bridal look, but the seemingly iridescent touch gives it just the right amount of modernity and whimsy.—
Marci Robin,
Allure,
27 Sep. 2025
Adjective
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Grand Slam winners get a colorful Grand Slam Award sticker.—
Arkansas Online,
Arkansas Online,
14 Oct. 2025
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Hipp evokes an opulent playhouse, with a bold palette, swathes of rich velvet, and plenty of colorful art.—
Rachel Cormack,
Robb Report,
14 Oct. 2025
Adjective
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Hamilton bought his pearlescent glossy white unit in 2018.—
Saajan Jogia,
MSNBC Newsweek,
21 Sep. 2025
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The products in question are The Concealer Pen, Cell Rejuvenating Power Serum, and The Cell Rejuvenating Illuminator in Golden (also available in pearlescent and rose).—
Jessie Quinn,
StyleCaster,
29 Aug. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Nacreous.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/nacreous. Accessed 21 Oct. 2025.
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