The Vietnamese word "ốc xà cừ" translates to "mother of pearl" in English. It refers to the shiny, iridescent inner layer of certain shells, especially from mollusks like oysters and abalones. This beautiful material is often used in jewelry, decorations, and crafts because of its unique luster and colors.
You can use "ốc xà cừ" when talking about jewelry, art, or any items that feature this beautiful material. It can also be used in discussions about marine life or shell collecting.
In more advanced contexts, you might encounter "ốc xà cừ" in discussions about sustainable practices in the shell industry, where the focus is on how to ethically source materials without harming marine ecosystems.
While "ốc xà cừ" primarily means "mother of pearl," it does not have significant alternative meanings. However, in a metaphorical sense, it might be used to describe something that is beautiful or precious.