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Gastropod: meaning, definitions and examples

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gastropod

 

[ˈɡastrəˌpäd ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

marine biology

A mollusk of the large class Gastropoda, such as a snail, slug, or whelk, typically having a single spiral shell or no shell at all. Gastropods move by gliding along on a muscular foot.

Synonyms

slug, snail, whelk.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
gastropod

Used in scientific or academic contexts to refer to a large class of mollusks that includes snails and slugs. Suitable for formal writings and presentations.

  • Gastropods are known for their unique ability to grow a spiral shell
snail

Used in everyday language to describe a gastropod with a coiled shell. Commonly used when talking about garden pests or pet snails.

  • The garden is full of snails after the rain
  • My little brother keeps a pet snail in an aquarium
slug

Appropriate for informal conversations and to describe a gastropod without a shell. May carry negative connotations when referring to lazy people or slow movements.

  • I saw a slug crawling on the garden path
  • He moves as slow as a slug
whelk

Used in contexts involving marine life and culinary discussions. Whelks are sea snails and are often mentioned in seafood cuisine.

  • The fisherman caught several whelks in his net
  • Whelk dishes are popular in some coastal areas

Examples of usage

  • The rocky shore was teeming with gastropods of various shapes and sizes.
  • The garden was infested with gastropods, much to the dismay of the gardener.
Context #2 | Noun

culinary

A type of edible mollusk, such as a snail, especially when used as an ingredient in cooking. Gastropods are considered a delicacy in some cultures.

Synonyms

edible snail, escargot.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
gastropod

Used in scientific or educational settings to refer to a large class of mollusks that includes snails and slugs.

  • Gastropods are characterized by their univalve shell that spirals as they mature
  • In biology class, we studied various gastropod species
escargot

Often used in culinary contexts, especially in French cuisine, to specifically describe snails that are prepared and served as food.

  • We ordered escargot as an appetizer at the French restaurant
  • Escargot is often cooked with garlic butter and herbs
edible snail

Used in discussions about food, particularly when distinguishing between snails that can be eaten and those that cannot.

  • Many French recipes include edible snails as a delicacy
  • Not all snails in the garden are edible snails

Examples of usage

  • The French restaurant is known for its exquisite dishes featuring gastropods.
  • The chef prepared a gourmet meal with gastropods as the main course.

Translations

Translations of the word "gastropod" in other languages:

🇵🇹 gastrópode

🇮🇳 गैस्ट्रोपॉड

🇩🇪 Weichtier

🇮🇩 gastropoda

🇺🇦 черевоногий молюск

🇵🇱 ślimak

🇯🇵 腹足類 (ふくそくるい)

🇫🇷 gastéropode

🇪🇸 gasterópodo

🇹🇷 karındanbacaklı

🇰🇷 복족류 (bokjokryu)

🇸🇦 بطنيات القدم

🇨🇿 plž

🇸🇰 slimák

🇨🇳 腹足纲 (fùzúgāng)

🇸🇮 polž

🇮🇸 snigill

🇰🇿 гастропод

🇬🇪 ლოკოკინა

🇦🇿 qarınayaqlı

🇲🇽 gasterópodo

Etymology

The term 'gastropod' originates from the Greek words 'gastro' meaning stomach and 'podos' meaning foot, referring to the characteristic creeping movement of these mollusks. Gastropods are one of the most diverse and successful groups of mollusks, with over 60,000 species worldwide. They have a long evolutionary history dating back to the Cambrian period, around 500 million years ago.

Word Frequency Rank

This word's position of #30,567 indicates it's among the more rare English words. While understanding it broadens your vocabulary, focus on more common words first.