as in opalescent
having a rainbowlike play of colors
the nacreous lining of the shell of a mollusk
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
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
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
-
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
-
The formal coupes are polished using specialty techniques to reveal a reflective, opalescent finish.—
Maria Conti,
Better Homes & Gardens,
3 June 2025
Adjective
-
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
-
Through a precise electrochemical anodization process, the titanium isn’t painted—it’s transformed at a molecular level, creating vibrant, iridescent hues that are permanent and cannot chip or fade.—
New Atlas,
New Atlas,
22 Sep. 2025
Adjective
-
Until Saturday, Scott — accustomed to wearing prison blue — had two shirts and two pairs of pants, but Sanders took him to Ross Dress for Less for some colorful, new clothes.—
Tony Saavedra,
Oc Register,
30 Sep. 2025
-
The lunar event will appear brighter and more colorful than most full moons, offering several nights of striking views just after sunset.—
Alice Gibbs,
MSNBC Newsweek,
30 Sep. 2025
Adjective
-
Hamilton bought his pearlescent glossy white unit in 2018.—
Saajan Jogia,
MSNBC Newsweek,
21 Sep. 2025
-
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 7 Oct. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share