crossword clue for mother of pearl – All Crossword Answers
Welcome to Crosswordanswer.co.uk! If you're tackling the clue "crossword clue for mother of pearl", you've come to the right place. Below, you'll find the most common solutions and explanations to help you complete your puzzle with ease.
Solutions for "crossword clue for mother of pearl" by Letter Count
5 Letters
NACRE: The iridescent layer lining mollusk shells, often used in jewelry and decorative arts due to its beautiful luster.
More About "crossword clue for mother of pearl"
Mother of pearl, scientifically known as nacre, is a composite material produced by some mollusks as an inner shell layer. It is the same strong, iridescent material that also makes up the outer coating of pearls. Nacre is continuously secreted by the epithelial cells of the mollusk's mantle, forming the smooth, strong, and highly durable inner surface of the shell.
Composed primarily of hexagonal platelets of aragonite (a form of calcium carbonate) interconnected by an elastic biopolymer matrix (conchiolin), nacre's unique structure gives it exceptional strength and an exquisite iridescent sheen. This iridescence, or orient, is caused by the light interference and diffraction that occurs as light reflects off the multiple layers of aragonite platelets.
Beyond its biological function, mother of pearl has been highly valued by humans for centuries. It's a popular material for jewelry, decorative inlays in furniture and musical instruments, buttons, and even specialized crafting. Its beauty and durability make it a timeless choice in various artistic and utilitarian applications.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Think Synonyms and Scientific Terms: For clues involving natural materials or phenomena, often the less common scientific or precise term (like NACRE for mother of pearl) is the intended answer.
- Consider Letter Count First: If you have some letters filled in or a known word length, this can drastically narrow down the possibilities. Always count the squares!
- Look for Common Crossword Tropes: Some concepts have a handful of standard answers that appear repeatedly. Building a mental library of these can speed up your solving.
- Check Surrounding Clues: Sometimes a neighboring word's answer can provide a crucial letter for the clue you're stuck on.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the common crossword answer for 'mother of pearl'?
The most common and direct crossword answer for 'mother of pearl' is NACRE. This term specifically refers to the material itself.
Why is 'NACRE' a typical answer for this clue?
NACRE is the scientific and material term for what is commonly known as 'mother of pearl'. It's a precise, unique word that fits well into many crossword grids, making it a favorite among constructors for this specific clue.
What other terms are related to 'mother of pearl' in crosswords?
While NACRE is primary, depending on the clue's nuance or letter count, answers could sometimes relate to the source, like OYSTER or ABALONE, or the quality, like IRIDESCENCE, though these are less direct for 'mother of pearl' as the material itself.