1.
pearl oyster; pearl-bearing shellfish
A general term for various species of marine bivalves whose inner shell is lined with a layer of nacre (mother-of-pearl) and which can produce pearls — most notably the Akoya pearl oyster ({アコヤガイ}), used for the cultured pearl industry that Japan helped to pioneer. Used in news about pearl farming, marine biology articles, and aquariums.
真珠貝を育てる。
To raise pearl oysters.
三重県は真珠貝の養殖で有名だ。
Mie Prefecture is famous for pearl-oyster farming.
真珠貝の中に核を入れて、数年かけて真珠を作らせる。
A nucleus is placed inside the pearl oyster, and a pearl is grown over several years.
Compound of 真珠 ('pearl') and 貝 ('shellfish'). A general category name covering several species used in pearl farming. The most common in Japanese cultured pearl production is the Akoya oyster; in tropical waters, larger species such as the white-lipped pearl oyster and black-lipped pearl oyster are also called 真珠貝.
USAGE:
- Used in marine biology, fisheries, and the jewellery industry.
- Mie Prefecture (especially the Ago Bay area) is historically the home of Japan's cultured pearl industry, founded by Mikimoto Kokichi.
- The shell itself is also valued as a material for buttons, inlay work, and ornaments.
COMMON COLLOCATIONS:
- 真珠貝を養殖する: to farm pearl oysters
- 真珠貝を採る: to harvest pearl oysters
- 真珠貝の核入れ: nucleus insertion in pearl oysters
- 真珠貝の殻: shell of a pearl oyster
SIMILAR WORDS:
- 真珠: pearl — the gem produced by the oyster.
- {アコヤガイ}: Akoya pearl oyster — the main species used for cultured pearls in Japan.
- 黒蝶貝: black-lipped pearl oyster — produces black (Tahitian) pearls.
- 白蝶貝: white-lipped pearl oyster — produces large South Sea pearls.
- 牡蠣: oyster (food) — edible oyster, a different family of bivalves; not used to produce gem-quality pearls.
- 養殖: aquaculture; farming — the process used to grow cultured pearls.