noun
mollusc
MOL-uhsk
Mollusc (noun) means a soft-bodied invertebrate animal of the phylum Mollusca, usually protected by a hard shell. Example: “Oysters, mussels and clams are all molluscs.”
noun
1
A soft-bodied invertebrate animal of the phylum Mollusca, usually protected by a hard shell.
"Oysters, mussels and clams are all molluscs."
"The rock pool was full of small molluscs clinging to the stones."
"She studied molluscs at university and now works in marine conservation."
How to use mollusc
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA soft-bodied animal without a backbone, often living inside a shell.
When to use it
It is a neutral, fairly scientific word used in biology and everyday nature writing alike.
Memory tip
Remember the British spelling ends in c, while the American form mollusk ends in k.
Trace the full origin ↓
Common pairings
marine mollusc
bivalve mollusc
freshwater mollusc
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Oysters, mussels and clams are all _____.
Etymology
English took the word from French mollusque, which came from the New Latin phylum name Mollusca. That in turn goes back to the Latin molluscus, from mollis, meaning soft.
Synonyms
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Frequently asked questions
What is a mollusc?
A mollusc is a soft-bodied invertebrate animal that usually has a hard shell. Bivalves, gastropods and cephalopods are all types of mollusc.
Is mollusc spelled mollusk in American English?
Yes. Mollusk is the American spelling, while mollusc is the usual British one.
How do you pronounce mollusc?
In British Received Pronunciation it is said MOL-uhsk, with the stress on the first syllable.
What is the meaning of mollusc?
"mollusc" (noun) means a soft-bodied invertebrate animal of the phylum Mollusca, usually protected by a hard shell.
