meerschaum

[ meer-shuh m, -shawm ]
/ ˈmɪər ʃəm, -ʃɔm /

noun

a mineral, hydrous magnesium silicate, H4Mg2Si3O10, occurring in white, claylike masses, used for ornamental carvings, for pipe bowls, etc.; sepiolite.
a tobacco pipe with a bowl made of this substance.

Origin of meerschaum

1775–85; < German Meerschaum, equivalent to Meer sea (see mere2) + Schaum foam

Example sentences from the Web for meerschaum

British Dictionary definitions for meerschaum

meerschaum
/ (ˈmɪəʃəm) /

noun

Also called: sepiolite a white, yellowish, or pink compact earthy mineral consisting of hydrated magnesium silicate: used to make tobacco pipes and as a building stone. Formula: Mg 2 Si 3 O 6 (OH) 4
a tobacco pipe having a bowl made of this mineral

Word Origin for meerschaum

C18: German, literally: sea foam