meerschaum

• Nom désignant un minéral argileux blanc et tendre, ainsi que la pipe à fumer dont le fourneau est taillé dans ce matériau.

A noun referring to a soft, white, clay-like mineral, or a tobacco pipe with a bowl made from this material.

1. A white clay mineralC2formal

   A soft, white, clay-like mineral (hydrous magnesium silicate) used for carving, especially for making tobacco pipes.

   écume de mer (minéral)

   • The artisan carved a delicate figure from a block of meerschaum.
   • Meerschaum is prized for its lightness and porous nature.
   • The mineral meerschaum is found primarily in Turkey.

   Synonymessepiolite

2. A type of tobacco pipeC2formal

   A tobacco pipe with a bowl carved from meerschaum, known for its ability to absorb moisture and develop a color over time.

   Pipe en écume de mer

   • He collected antique meerschaum pipes from the 19th century.
   • The meerschaum pipe turned a rich amber color after years of use.
   • She bought a beautifully carved meerschaum pipe as a souvenir.