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Dictionary Language resources

meerschaum

Pronunciation: /ˈmɪəʃɔːm, -ʃəm/

Definition of meerschaum

noun

[mass noun]

a soft white clay-like material consisting of hydrated magnesium silicate, found chiefly in Turkey.
(also meerschaum pipe) [count noun] a tobacco pipe with a bowl made from meerschaum.

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)