pearly nautilus

noun

1. nautilus.

pearly nautilus

noun

1. Also called: chambered nautilus. any of several cephalopod molluscs of the genus Nautilus, esp N. pompilius, of warm and tropical seas, having a partitioned pale pearly external shell with brown stripes Compare paper nautilus

Word History and Origins

Origin of pearly nautilus¹

First recorded in 1770–80

Example Sentences

It is worthy of notice that the pearly nautilus and the allied fossil forms are without this means of concealment, which their strong external shells render unnecessary for their protection.

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In the pearly nautilus each septum is prolonged backwards at the point where it is pierced by the siphuncle, forming a shelly tube somewhat like the neck of a bottle.

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A large fleet of the pearly nautilus was collected close under the vessel’s lee.

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Surprise him at his books and you'll see tropical seas in his eyes, a pearly nautilus, Hong Kong and Valparaiso resplendent in the dawn.

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But the bee and the wild bird, the pearly nautilus driving before the fresh breeze, and the reed waving in the wind, should teach us a higher lesson.

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