mollusc

/ mɒˈlʌskən; ˈmɒləsk /

noun

1. any invertebrate of the phylum Mollusca, having a soft unsegmented body and often a shell, secreted by a fold of skin (the mantle). The group includes the gastropods (snails, slugs, etc), bivalves (clams, mussels, etc), and cephalopods (cuttlefish, octopuses, etc)

Derived Forms

• molluscan, adjectivenoun
• ˈmollusc-ˌlike, adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of mollusc¹

C18: via New Latin from Latin molluscus, from mollis soft

Example Sentences

While the effects were not as widespread as those of new PVC pellets, high concentrations were found to affect the development of molluscs, sea urchins, sea stars and sea squirts.

From Science Daily

Therefore by supporting molluscs, an array of wildlife is indirectly supported, the trust said.

From BBC

Small prey present in their environment at all temperatures included brittle stars, small crustaceans, worms, and molluscs.

From Science Daily

Sea slugs are a type of shell-less marine mollusc renowned for their remarkable variety and beauty.

From BBC

They typically eat what's around the ocean, whether it's fish, molluscs or small mammals.

From Salon