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Molluscan: meaning, definitions and examples

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molluscan

 

[ məˈlʌskən ]

Adjective
Context #1 | Adjective

marine biology

Molluscan refers to anything related to mollusks, which are soft-bodied animals that typically have a shell. These creatures include snails, clams, squids, and octopuses, and they are characterized by a muscular foot and a mantle that often secretes the shell. The term can also pertain to the study of these organisms in various ecological and evolutionary contexts.

Synonyms

bivalve, gastropod, mollusk-related

Examples of usage

  • The molluscan diversity in this ecosystem is astounding.
  • Researchers are studying molluscan behavior in laboratory settings.
  • Molluscan fossils provide insights into ancient marine environments.

Translations

Translations of the word "molluscan" in other languages:

🇵🇹 mollusco

🇮🇳 मोलस्कन

🇩🇪 Molluske

🇮🇩 moluska

🇺🇦 моллюсковий

🇵🇱 mięczakowy

🇯🇵 軟体動物の

🇫🇷 mollusque

🇪🇸 molusco

🇹🇷 yumurta hayvanı

🇰🇷 연체동물의

🇸🇦 رخويات

🇨🇿 měkkýšovitý

🇸🇰 mäkkýšový

🇨🇳 软体动物的

🇸🇮 mehkužec

🇮🇸 möttull

🇰🇿 моллюск

🇬🇪 მოლუსკები

🇦🇿 molluska

🇲🇽 molusco

Etymology

The term 'molluscan' is derived from the Latin word 'molluscus', which means 'soft' or 'mollusk'. Mollusks have been an integral part of the Earth's ecosystems for hundreds of millions of years, with fossils dating back to the Cambrian period. The use of 'molluscan' to describe characteristics or classifications related to this animal phylum has been documented since the early 19th century, coinciding with advancements in biological classification and taxonomy. As biologists and ecologists have deepened their understanding of these organisms, the term has become increasingly important in both scientific and marine conservation contexts.

Word Frequency Rank

At rank #27,605, this word represents specialized academic or technical vocabulary. It's less frequently encountered but may be valuable in specific contexts.