a smooth, rounded bead formed within the shells of certain mollusks and composed of the mineral aragonite or calcite in a matrix, deposited in concentric layers as a protective coating around an irritating foreign object, which is valued as a gem when lustrous and finely coloured; a pearl.

a fragment of a stone.

ancient time.

a short pillar standing on a horizontal beam supporting thero of of a house.

a short, slender leg.