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Dictionary Language resources

meerschaum

Syllabification: (meer·schaum)

Pronunciation: /ˈmi(ə)rˌSHôm, -SHəm/

Definition of meerschaum

noun

a soft white claylike material consisting of hydrated magnesium silicate, found chiefly in Turkey.
(also meerschaum pipe) a tobacco pipe with the bowl made from this.

Origin:

late 18th century: from German, literally 'sea-foam', from Meer 'sea' + Schaum 'foam', translation of Persian kef-i-daryā (alluding to the frothy appearance of the silicate)