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Mollusks Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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mollusks

[ˈmɒləsk ]

Definition

Context #1 | Noun

sea creatures

Mollusks are soft-bodied invertebrates that are commonly found in marine environments. They typically have a hard shell to protect their delicate bodies. Mollusks include a wide variety of species such as clams, snails, and octopuses.

Synonyms

bivalves, cephalopods, shellfish.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
mollusks

Used in general scientific discussions to refer to the entire phylum of soft-bodied animals often with a hard shell, including snails, slugs, bivalves, and cephalopods.

  • Marine biologists study mollusks to understand more about underwater ecosystems.
  • Mollusks have been present on Earth for over 500 million years.
shellfish

Commonly used in culinary contexts to refer to edible marine mollusks and crustaceans, such as oysters, clams, and lobsters.

  • Allergic reactions to shellfish can be serious for some people.
  • He loves to eat shellfish, especially shrimp and oysters.
cephalopods

Used when talking about a class of mollusks that includes octopuses, squids, and cuttlefish, often in scientific or culinary discussions.

  • Cephalopods are known for their intelligence and ability to change color.
  • Squid and octopus are popular cephalopods in many seafood dishes.
bivalves

Specifically refers to mollusks that have a hinged shell with two parts, commonly discussed in marine biology and seafood contexts.

  • Bivalves like clams and oysters filter water to feed.
  • The fisherman caught several bivalves in the shallow waters.

Examples of usage

  • The beach was covered with colorful mollusk shells.
  • She studied the anatomy of mollusks in her marine biology class.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Biology

  • Mollusks are one of the most diverse groups of animals, encompassing over 85,000 species, including snails, clams, and octopuses.
  • They have a unique body structure with three main parts: the foot, the visceral mass, and the mantle.
  • Some, like squid and octopus, are known for their advanced nervous systems and problem-solving abilities.

Environment

  • Mollusks play crucial roles in ecosystems, such as filtering water and serving as a food source for many animals.
  • Coral reefs are home to a variety of mollusks, which contribute to the health and stability of these environments.

Culinary

  • Many mollusks are considered delicacies around the world, such as oysters, clams, and escargot (snails).
  • In some cultures, mollusks are harvested for their pearls, especially from oysters.

Pop Culture

  • Mollusks have been featured in various films and literature, often personified like in 'Finding Nemo' with characters like the octopus.
  • In video games, mollusks are sometimes used as characters or adversaries, showcasing their unique shapes and abilities.

Origin of 'mollusks'

Main points about word origin

  • The word 'mollusk' comes from the Latin 'mollis', meaning soft, referring to their soft bodies.
  • The term has been used since the early 19th century in scientific literature to categorize these creatures.

The word 'mollusk' comes from the French word 'mollusque', which is derived from the Latin word 'molluscus', meaning 'soft'. The term was first used in the 18th century to describe this group of invertebrate animals with soft bodies and hard shells.

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #20,893, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.