Meaning & Definition of word "Snail"
to
Snail
/neɪl/
noun:
- 1. A slow-moving, shell-bearing mollusk that often has a spiral-shaped shell.
- Example: The garden was full of snails munching on the leaves.
- 2. A person or thing that moves slowly.
- Example: They were moving at a snail's pace during the traffic jam.
- 3. A type of mollusk, usually in the class Gastropoda, characterized by a coiled shell and a soft body.
- Example: The teacher brought in a live snail for the class to observe.
- 4. A term used in a figurative sense to describe sluggishness or slowness in movement or progress.
- Example: The project is progressing like a snail, much to everyone's frustration.
Etymology
Old English 'snægl', related to similar words in other Germanic languages.
Common Phrases and Expressions
snail mail:
Traditional postal service as opposed to electronic communication.
slow as a snail:
Very slow; taking a long time to progress.
Related Words
slug:
A gastropod mollusk that lacks a shell.
shell:
The hard protective outer case of some mollusks and certain other animals.
Slang Meanings of snail
Meaning: To move very slowly.
Example Sentence: He really snails through his chores every weekend.
Meaning: To take a long time to do something.
Example Sentence: Don't snail around, we need to leave soon!