mollusk

mol·lusk

noun \ˈmä-ləsk\

Definition of MOLLUSK

: any of a large phylum (Mollusca) of invertebrate animals (as snails, clams, or squids) with a soft unsegmented body usually enclosed in a calcareous shell; broadly : shellfish

— mol·lus·can also mol·lus·kan \mə-ˈləs-kən, mä-\ adjective

Variants of MOLLUSK

mol·lusk or mol·lusc \ˈmä-ləsk\

Origin of MOLLUSK

French mollusque, from New Latin Mollusca, from Latin, neuter plural of molluscus thin-shelled (of a nut), from mollis

First Known Use: 1783

Other Invertebrates (Except Insects) Terms

anemone, cephalopod, quahog

mol·lusk

noun    (Medical Dictionary)

Medical Definition of MOLLUSK

: any invertebrate animal of the phylum Mollusca

—mol·lus·can also mol·lus·kan \mə-ˈles-kən, mä-\ (audio pronunciation) adjective

Variants of MOLLUSK

mol·lusk or mol·lusc \ˈmäl-əsk\ (audio pronunciation)

mollusk

noun    (Concise Encyclopedia)

Representative mollusks. Bivalves have a shell with two halves. Filter feeders, they take in food …—© Merriam-Webster Inc.

Any of some 75,000 species of soft-bodied invertebrate animals (phylum Mollusca), many of which are wholly or partly enclosed in a calcium carbonate shell secreted by the mantle, a soft covering formed from the body wall. Between the mantle and the body is the mantle cavity. Mollusks occur in most habitats from the deep sea to high mountains. Living mollusks are usually grouped into eight classes: Gastropoda (see gastropod), Bivalvia or Pelecypoda (see bivalve), Cephalopoda (see cephalopod), Scaphopoda (tusk shells), Aplacophora (Solenogasters), Caudofoveata (sometimes included in the Aplacophora order), Polyplacophora (chitons), and Monoplacophora. Mollusks are economically important as food, and their shells are widely used in jewelry and decorative items.

Variants of MOLLUSK

mollusk or mollusc