mother-of-pearl button
nounUK /ˌmʌðər əv ˈpɜːl ˈbʌtn/
US /ˌmʌðər əv ˈpɜːrl ˈbʌtn/
A button made from the shiny inside of a seashell.
She sewed a mother-of-pearl button onto her favorite blouse.
OTHER MEANINGS
2. A decorative button with an iridescent, pearly finish used in jewelry and crafts.
The bracelet was decorated with tiny mother-of-pearl buttons.
3. A button made from the nacreous layer of certain mollusk shells, valued for its natural luster.
The tailor preferred mother-of-pearl buttons for formal shirts.
4. A small round fastener whose surface shimmers like the inside of an oyster shell.
These vintage mother-of-pearl buttons catch the light beautifully.