mollusc

Definition

A soft-bodied invertebrate of the phylum Mollusca, typically with a hard shell of one or more pieces.

Etymology

Borrowed from French mollusque, from New Latin Mollusca (phylum name), from Latin molluscus (“thin-shelled”), from mollis (“soft”).

Example Sentences

• "bivalve molluscs"
• "For example, the antitumour depsipeptide kahalalide F was isolated from the opisthobranch mollusc Elysia rufescens, and is used by both the mollusc and its dietary alga Bryopsis spp."
• "Searching for hard-shelled prey – molluscs, crabs and the like – there are two species of bear otter in Kanapoi."