noun

ammonite

AM-uh-nyt

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Ammonite (noun) means a fossil shell of an extinct group of sea animals related to squid and octopuses, usually coiled in a spiral. Example: “She found a perfect ammonite on the beach after the storm.”

noun

A fossil shell of an extinct group of sea animals related to squid and octopuses, usually coiled in a spiral.

"She found a perfect ammonite on the beach after the storm."

"The museum had a wall of ammonites in different sizes."

"An ammonite fossil sat on his desk as a paperweight."

How to use ammonite

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishA spiral-shaped fossil shell from an extinct sea animal.

When to use it

It is a standard science term, common in paleontology and in museum and fossil-collecting contexts.

Memory tip

Think of a coiled ram's horn to remember the shape the name refers to.

Trace the full origin ↓

Common pairings

ammonite fossil fossilized ammonite ammonite shell coiled ammonite

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C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

Test yourself on “ammonite” A quick quiz — meaning, synonyms & usage →

Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

She found a perfect _____ on the beach after the storm.

Etymology

English took the word from French ammonite, which came from the Latin phrase for the horn of Ammon. Pliny the Elder used the phrase because the coiled shells resembled the ram horns linked to the Egyptian god Amun.

Origin: French

Synonyms

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ammonoid

Rhymes for ammonite

rite bite lite kite cite mite site twite white write trite smite

See all rhymes for ammonite →

Frequently asked questions

What is an ammonite?

An ammonite is a fossil shell of an extinct group of cephalopods called Ammonoidea. The shells are often coiled in a spiral.

Where does the word ammonite come from?

It came into English from French, which took it from a Latin phrase meaning horn of Ammon. The name refers to coiled ram horns associated with the god Amun.

How do you pronounce ammonite?

It is pronounced AM-uh-nyt, with the stress on the first syllable.

What is the meaning of ammonite?

"ammonite" (noun) means a fossil shell of an extinct group of sea animals related to squid and octopuses, usually coiled in a spiral.