shellfish

American  

[shel-fish] / ˈʃɛlˌfɪʃ /

noun

plural

shellfish,

plural

shellfishes

1. an aquatic animal having a shell, as the oyster and other mollusks and the lobster and other crustaceans.

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shellfish British  

/ ˈʃɛlˌfɪʃ /

noun

1. any aquatic invertebrate having a shell or shell-like carapace, esp such an animal used as human food. Examples are crustaceans such as crabs and lobsters and molluscs such as oysters

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Etymology

Origin of shellfish

before 900; Middle English; Old English scilfisc. See shell, fish

Example Sentences

The individual had consumed high amounts of animal protein, including fish and possibly shellfish that fed on ancient carbon sources, creating a known "reservoir" effect in the bones.

From Science Daily

He added passengers jokingly pointed out the "shellfish" crab had its feet on the seat, while others called out the crabby commuter for fare dodging.

From BBC

I can’t eat pork or shellfish, so whatever falls within the electric fence, my lapsing Judaism.

From Los Angeles Times

“It’s All Good” recommends cutting coffee, sugar, wheat, eggs, meat, shellfish, potatoes, tomatoes, bell peppers, eggplant and corn.

From Salon

They said open escape holes in pots for juvenile shellfish, enforced by the bylaw, allowed the creatures in and out to eat shellfish, and fishers wanted to close the gaps.

From BBC

Related Words

• clam
• conch
• crawfish
• crustacean
• lobster
• mollusk
• mussel
• oyster
• prawn
• scallop
• shrimp
• snail