Meer"schaum (?), n. [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.]
1. Min.
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 manufactured into tobacco pipes, cigar holders, etc. Also called sepiolite.
2.
A tobacco pipe made of this mineral.
© Webster 1913.