chiton

noun

chi·​ton ˈkī-tᵊn 

ˈkī-ˌtän

1

: any of a class (Polyplacophora) of elongated bilaterally symmetrical marine mollusks with a dorsal shell of calcareous plates

2

[Greek chitōn] : the basic garment of ancient Greece worn usually knee-length by men and full-length by women

Example Sentences

Recent Examples on the Web

Even the diaphanous chiton-like dresses that Maria Grazia does nearly every season feel like a special, possibly sacred code of femininity. —Rachel Tashjian, Harper's BAZAAR, 6 July 2022

The mineral is believed to toughen the teeth of the sometimes 14-inch chiton without adding extra weight, due to its high water content and low density, Joster said. —Asha C. Gilbert, USA TODAY, 1 June 2021

Her chiton, fastened at one shoulder, falls, exposing both breasts. —National Geographic, 18 June 2020

At a dinner last month, Mr. Lai served small bowls filled with citrus broth and those whelks, periwinkles and chitons tucked into a tangle of seaweed invasive to the Everglades. —Florence Fabricant, New York Times, 15 Apr. 2016

Similarly, fleeing limpets and chitons navigated stony surfaces with the fascinating rapidity of ice forming across a winter pond. —Clark Fair, Alaska Dispatch News, 8 July 2017

Word History

Etymology

New Latin, genus name, from Greek chitōn tunic, of Semitic origin; akin to Hebrew kuttōneth tunic

First Known Use

1816, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

chiton

noun

chi·​ton ˈkīt-ᵊn 

ˈkī-ˌtän

1

: any of a class of marine mollusks with a shell of calcium-containing plates

2

: a draped garment worn by the ancient Greeks