abalone

ab·a·lo·ne

noun \ˌa-bə-ˈlō-nē, ˈa-bə-ˌ\

Definition of ABALONE

: any of a genus (Haliotis) of edible rock-clinging gastropod mollusks that have a flattened shell slightly spiral in form, lined with mother-of-pearl, and with a row of apertures along its outer edge

Origin of ABALONE

American Spanish abulón, from Rumsen (American Indian language of Monterey Bay, California) aulon

First Known Use: 1850

Rhymes with ABALONE

acrimony, agrimony, Albinoni, alimony, antimony, Berlusconi, cannelloni, ceremony, chalcedony, cicerone, hegemony, macaroni, matrimony, minestrone, Nakasone, one-trick pony, palimony, parsimony, patrimony, pepperoni, provolone, rigatoni, sanctimony, Shetland pony, testimony, zabaglione

abalone

noun    (Concise Encyclopedia)

Abalone (Haliotis)—Jacques Six

Any of several marine snail species (genus Haliotis, family Haliotidae), found in warm seas worldwide. The outer surface of the single shell has a row of small holes, most of which fill in as the animal grows; some remain open as outlets for waste products. Abalones range from 4 to 10 in. (10–25 cm) across and up to 3 in. (8 cm) deep. The largest is the 12 in. (30 cm) abalone (H. rufescens). The shell's lustrous, iridescent interior is used in ornaments, and the large muscular foot is eaten as a delicacy. Commercial abalone fisheries exist in California, Mexico, Japan, and South Africa.