Meaning of "nacre" in English

Nacre, often referred to as "mother of pearl," is a lustrous layer found on the inner shell of some mollusks and also serves as the outer coating for pearls. Its unique shiny appearance results from the microscopic layering of calcium carbonate. Nacre is highly valued in jewelry and decorative arts for its iridescent quality, adding elegance and beauty to designs. Additionally, it has biological significance, as it protects mollusks from parasites and debris. The word "nacre" can also be used metaphorically to describe something with a smooth, glossy, and shimmering surface.

Meaning of "nacre" in French

In French, "nacre" refers to the iridescent substance known as mother of pearl, found in the shells of some mollusks like oysters and abalone. This natural composite is composed of aragonite or a mixture of calcium carbonate and organic compounds, which form layers that produce a beautiful shimmering effect. Used in the creation of jewelry, buttons, and inlay work, nacre is prized for its aesthetic appeal. The term extends metaphorically to describe anything with a similar glossy and colorful appearance.

Pronunciation of "nacre" in English

Phonetic Transcription: /ˈneɪkər/

Pronunciation Variations: In English, the pronunciation of "nacre" is fairly consistent, with minimal regional variation. The emphasis is placed on the first syllable, with a clear "nay" sound followed by a softer "ker."

Pronunciation of "nacre" in French

Phonetic Transcription: /nakʁ/

Pronunciation Variations: In French, "nacre" is pronounced with a more guttural "r" and a short "a" sound. The "n" is pronounced lightly, and the pronunciation remains fairly uniform across different French-speaking regions.

Sentence examples in English and translation to French

  1. The jeweler marveled at the nacre on the shell. (Le joaillier était émerveillé par la nacre sur la coquille.)
  2. Her necklace was made of shiny nacre beads. (Son collier était composé de perles de nacre brillantes.)
  3. Nacre adds a touch of elegance to any piece of jewelry. (La nacre ajoute une touche d'élégance à n'importe quel bijou.)
  4. The table had a nacre inlay design. (La table avait un design en incrustation de nacre.)
  5. The artisan expertly polished the nacre surface. (L'artisan a poli avec expertise la surface de nacre.)
  6. Nacre is known for its iridescent beauty. (La nacre est connue pour sa beauté irisée.)
  7. Many antique buttons were made from nacre. (De nombreux boutons anciens étaient faits de nacre.)
  8. The diver discovered a shell lined with nacre. (Le plongeur a découvert une coquille tapissée de nacre.)
  9. Nacre formation is a natural process in mollusks. (La formation de la nacre est un processus naturel chez les mollusques.)
  10. The artist used nacre to create a stunning mosaic. (L'artiste a utilisé de la nacre pour créer une mosaïque éblouissante.)

Synonyms, antonyms, and similar words for "nacre" in English

Synonyms: mother of pearl, iridescent shell, pearlescent, opalescent, lustrous, glistening

Antonyms: matte, dull

Similar Words: pearl, shell, abalone, oyster, mollusk, decorative, shiny, coating

Synonyms, antonyms, and similar words for "nacre" in French

Synonyms: perle, nacré, irisé, luminescent, brillant

Antonyms: terne, mat

Similar Words: perle, coquille, ornement, lustre, éclat

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