Meerschaum Meaning in English

word

US

ˈmɪərˌʃɑm

MEER-shahm

UK

mˈiəstʃaʊm

MEER-showm

Definition

A soft, white mineral often used to make pipes, especially for smoking tobacco. It is valued for its ability to absorb moisture and its artistic carvings.

Usage & Nuances

Rare word, mainly appears in contexts about tobacco pipes or mineralogy. 'Meerschaum pipe' is the most frequent phrase. The word comes from German for 'sea foam.' Not used for everyday objects.

• Spanish: espuma de mar
• Portuguese (BR): espuma-do-mar
• Portuguese (PT): espuma-do-mar
• Chinese (Simplified): 海泡石
• Chinese (Traditional): 海泡石
• Hindi: मीरशम (एक प्रकार का पत्थर)
• Arabic: ميرشوم (حجر أبيض ناعم)
• Bengali: মিয়ারশাম
• Russian: море́шaум
• Japanese: メシャム - 海泡石
• Vietnamese: thạch bọt biển (meerschaum)
• Korean: 미어샴 - 해포석
• Turkish: lületaşı
• Urdu: میرشام (ایک سفید نرم معدنی پتھر)
• Indonesian: meerschaum - batu busa laut

Example Sentences

He collects meerschaum pipes from Turkey.

basic

A meerschaum is white and very light.

basic

Many artists carve figures from meerschaum.

basic

I bought a beautiful old meerschaum at the market yesterday.

natural

His grandfather always smoked a meerschaum after dinner.

natural

Did you know Sherlock Holmes’s pipe was made of meerschaum?

natural