mollusk

Or mol·lusc

[mol-uhsk]

noun

1. any invertebrate of the phylum Mollusca, typically having a calcareous shell of one, two, or more pieces that wholly or partly enclose the soft, unsegmented body, including the chitons, snails, bivalves, squids, and octopuses.

mollusk

1. Any of numerous invertebrate animals of the phylum Mollusca, usually living in water and often having a hard outer shell. They have a muscular foot, a well-developed circulatory and nervous system, and often complex eyes. Mollusks include gastropods (snails and shellfish), slugs, octopuses, squids, and the extinct ammonites. Mollusks appear in the fossil record in the early Cambrian Period, but it is not known from what group they evolved.

Other Word Forms

• molluskan adjective
• molluscan adjective
• mollusklike adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of mollusk¹

1775–85; < French mollusque < New Latin Mollusca; Mollusca

Example Sentences

Though she prefers mollusks to men, it’s Yeva who insists on reducing the kidnapping target from 100 to 12, a number that the trailer could humanely accommodate.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Speaking of what makes up this most delicious and fragrant stew and despite the name, go on and include shellfish: crustaceans, mollusks or bivalves, anything you like.

Read more on Salon

But as it turns out, one group of marine mollusks was way ahead of us.

Read more on Science Daily

This humble mollusk is a vital source of income and nutrition for many coastal residents.

Read more on Science Daily

The sea creature, which they nicknamed the “mystery mollusk” because of its snail-like features, captivated them.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• abalone 
• clam 
• snail