Meerschaum
Pronunciation : Meer"schaum
Part of Speech : n.
Etymology : [G., lit., sea foam; meer sea + schaum foam; but it perh. is a corruption of the Tartaric name myrsen. Cf. Mere a lake, and Scum.]
Definition : 1. (Min.)
Defn: A fine white claylike mineral, soft, and light enough when in dry masses to float in water. It is a hydrous silicate of magnesia, and is obtained chiefly in Asia Minor. It is manufacturd into tobacco pipes, cigar holders, etc. Also called sepiolite.
2. A tobacco pipe made of this mineral.
Source : Webster's Unabridged Dictionary, 1913