African snail

noun

: a large pulmonate land mollusk (Achatina fulica) introduced from the western coast of Africa into Ceylon, the East Indian region, and the Pacific Islands compare achatina

Word History

First Known Use

1859, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of African snail was in 1859

Love words?

You must — there are over 200,000 words in our free online dictionary, but you are looking for one that’s only in the Merriam-Webster Unabridged Dictionary.

Start your free trial today and get unlimited access to America's largest dictionary, with:

  • More than 250,000 words that aren't in our free dictionary
  • Expanded definitions, etymologies, and usage notes
  • Advanced search features
  • Ad free!

Dictionary Entries Near African snail

Cite this Entry

“African snail.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/African%20snail. Accessed 26 Apr. 2024.

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!