好词典

pearl

UK //pɜːl//US //pɝːl//

词源

源自中古英语 'perle',来自古法语,可能源自拉丁语 'perna'(意为“腿”或“贝类”),或因珍珠的形状类似贝类的腿。

noun

❶ 珍珠,一种由某些软体动物分泌的坚硬、光滑的圆形物质,通常呈白色或淡色,用于制作珠宝。

“She wore a beautiful necklace with a single pearl.”

(她戴了一条镶有一颗珍珠的美丽项链。)

“Pearls are often found inside oysters.”

(珍珠通常存在于牡蛎内部。)

❶ 比喻珍贵或完美的事物,常用于形容人或物的品质。

“Her voice was a pearl of clarity.”

(她的声音如珍珠般清澈。)

“This book is a pearl of wisdom.”

(这本书是智慧的结晶。)

同义词:gem, jewel, treasure

verb

❶ 用珍珠装饰或覆盖,或形成珍珠般的形状。

“The dress was pearled with tiny beads.”

(这条裙子缀满了小珍珠般的珠子。)

“Dewdrops pearled on the grass in the morning.”

(清晨的露珠如珍珠般挂在草叶上。)

同义词:bead, adorn

常见短语

pearl of wisdom — 指非常有智慧或深刻的言论,常用于形容某人的建议或见解。

“The old man shared a pearl of wisdom about patience.”

(老人分享了一条关于耐心的智慧箴言。)

cast pearls before swine — 比喻把珍贵的东西给不懂欣赏的人,出自《圣经》,意为浪费好东西。

“Giving him that rare book is like casting pearls before swine.”

(把那本珍贵的书送给他,简直是对牛弹琴。)