pearl 1 
(pûrl)
(pûrl)n.
1.
a. A smooth, lustrous, variously colored mass, chiefly of calcium carbonate, formed around a grain of sand or other foreign matter inside the shell of certain bivalve mollusks and valued as a gem.
b. A bead resembling one of these masses.
2. Something small and spherical in shape: "pearls of sweat beading on her upper lip" (Katherine Min).
3. Mother-of-pearl; nacre.
4. One that is highly regarded for its beauty or value.
5. Printing A type size measuring approximately five points.
6. A yellowish white.
v. pearled, pearl·ing, pearls
v.tr.
1. To decorate or cover with pearls or beads resembling pearls.
2. To make into the shape or color of pearls.
v.intr.
1. To dive or fish for pearls or pearl-bearing mollusks.
2. To form beads resembling pearls.
[Middle English perle, from Old French, from Latin *pernula, diminutive of perna, ham, seashell (from the shape of the shell).]