Snails: meaning, definitions and examples

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snails

[sneɪlz ]

Definition

^{Context #1 | Noun}

in nature

Snails are gastropod mollusks with a coiled shell used for protection and movement. They move by gliding on a muscular foot and secrete mucous to aid in movement and protection from predators. Snails are known for their slow pace of life and are commonly found in gardens and forests.

Synonyms

escargot, shellfish, slug.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
snails	Typically used when talking about slow-moving mollusks commonly found in gardens or other natural settings. I found some snails in my garden yesterday. Snails leave a slimy trail as they move.
slug	Refers to a type of mollusk similar to snails but without a shell, often found in gardens and can be pests. The garden is full of slugs after the rain. Slugs can damage your plants by eating their leaves.
shellfish	Refers to aquatic animals with shells, such as crabs, lobsters, and clams, often used in the context of seafood. Shellfish are a common ingredient in many seafood dishes. I'm allergic to shellfish.
escargot	Used to refer to a dish in French cuisine made from cooked land snails, often served as a delicacy in restaurants. We ordered escargot as an appetizer at the French restaurant. Have you ever tried escargot?

Examples of usage

Have you ever seen a snail crawling on a leaf?
The garden is full of snails after the rain.
The snail retreats into its shell when it senses danger.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

The word originates from the Old English 'snaegl', which reflects their slow movement.
In various languages, terms for snails often relate to their shell shape, like 'escargot' in French.

Biology

Snails belong to a larger class called 'Gastropoda' which also includes slugs and whelks.
They have a unique way of moving using a muscular foot that secretes mucus, making it easier to glide over surfaces.

Culinary

In French cuisine, snails are considered a delicacy and are often served with garlic butter.
Some cultures believe that eating snails has health benefits, as they are high in protein and low in fat.

Cultural Significance

Snails are often used symbolically in literature to represent patience and persistence due to their slow pace.
In many ancient cultures, the shell of a snail was believed to bring good luck and was used in jewelry.

Environmental Impact

Certain species of snails play a critical role in their ecosystems as decomposers, breaking down dead plant material.
They can also be indicators of environmental health, as their presence reflects the quality of local habitats.

Translations

Translations of the word "snails" in other languages:

🇵🇹 caracóis

🇮🇳 घोंघे

🇩🇪 Schnecken

🇮🇩 siput

🇺🇦 равлики

🇵🇱 ślimaki

🇯🇵 カタツムリ

🇫🇷 escargots

🇪🇸 caracoles

🇹🇷 salyangozlar

🇰🇷 달팽이

🇸🇦 الحلزون

🇨🇿 šneci

🇸🇰 slimáky

🇨🇳 蜗牛

🇸🇮 polži

🇮🇸 sniglar

🇰🇿 ұлулар

🇬🇪 ლოკოკინები

🇦🇿 ilbizlər

🇲🇽 caracoles

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #16,230, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.

...
16227 culinary
16228 repatriation
16229 fatality
16230 snails
16231 ornate
16232 isle
16233 sternum
...