Cryptic crossword clue
Layer of molluscs damaged porthole frame 6-2-5

The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 15 letter word MOTHER-OF-PEARL

I've seen this crossword clue in Independent
M
O
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P
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The cryptic/wordplay part
In cryptic crossword there's often an wordplay/cryptic part as well.
This part involves a more complex hint, such as an anagram, homophone, hidden word, etc.
Sadly, We don't have an explanation for this specific crossword clue yet.

What does MOTHER-OF-PEARL mean?

MOTHER-OF-PEARL noun
  1. The hard pearly inner layer of certain mollusk shells; nacre.
  2. A butterfly of the genus Salamis.
MOTHER-OF-PEARL adjective
  1. Made from or looking like mother-of-pearl; iridescent or pearly.

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