Nautilus: meaning, definitions and examples

When referring to a specific marine animal that lives in a coiled shell, often highlighting its beautiful and intricate shell design.

• The nautilus moves through the water by jet propulsion.
• The intricate design of the nautilus shell has fascinated scientists for centuries.

When discussing a broader category of marine animals that includes octopuses, squids, and nautiluses, especially in scientific or educational contexts.

• Cephalopods like octopuses and squids are known for their intelligence and ability to change color.
• Studying cephalopods helps us understand more about the behavior of complex marine organisms.

When referring to a diverse group of invertebrate animals, which includes snails, clams, and cephalopods, often in biological or ecological discussions.

• Mollusks are an important part of the marine ecosystem.
• The mollusk population has been affected by changes in the ocean's temperature.

When talking about edible sea creatures that have a shell, including crustaceans and mollusks, usually in a culinary or dietary context.

• Many people are allergic to shellfish, such as shrimp and crab.
• The restaurant serves a variety of shellfish, including oysters and clams.

Nautilus is specific to a sea creature with a spiral shell, often used in scientific or biological discussions.

• The nautilus is known for its beautiful spiral shell.
• During our marine biology class, we studied the behavior of the nautilus.

Symbol refers to a mark, sign, or word that indicates, signifies, or is understood as representing an idea, object, or relationship. Often used in discussions involving semiotics, literature, or culture.

• The heart is a common symbol of love.
• The flag is a powerful symbol of national pride.

Metaphor is used in literature and everyday language to describe something by comparing it to another thing without using 'like' or 'as'.

• The world is a stage is a famous metaphor used in literature.
• His words were a knife to my heart.

Representation is often used in discussions about symbols, signs, or icons that stand for something else, in art, media, politics, etc.

• The painting is a representation of the artist's inner emotions.
• We need better representation of minorities in media.