mollusc
|mol-lusc|
B2
🇺🇸
/ˈmɑləsk/
🇬🇧
/ˈmɒlʌsk/
soft-bodied invertebrate
Etymology
Etymology Information
'mollusc' originates from New Latin, specifically the word 'Mollusca', where Latin 'mollis' meant 'soft'.
Historical Evolution
'mollusc' changed from Medieval Latin word 'molluscus' and eventually became the modern English word 'mollusc' through scientific Latin usage in taxonomy.
Meaning Changes
Initially, it meant 'soft (creature)', but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'soft-bodied invertebrate of the phylum Mollusca'.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
an invertebrate of the large phylum Mollusca, typically with a soft unsegmented body; includes snails, slugs, clams, squids, and octopuses.
A common mollusc found along the shore is the periwinkle.
Synonyms
Last updated: 2025/12/24 14:43