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
Words nearby meerschaum
meech lake accord,
meed,
meek,
meer,
meerkat,
meerschaum,
meerut,
meet,
meet and greet,
meet one's match,
meet one's waterloo
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