Oyster

/ˈɔɪ.stər/

Meaning & Definition

noun

A marine mollusk with a rough, irregular shell that can be harvested for its edible flesh and sometimes produces pearls.

We enjoyed freshly shucked oysters at the seafood restaurant.

Any of various bivalve mollusks of the family Ostreidae, with leathery inner surfaces, often found attached to rock or other surfaces.

The diver discovered a bed of oysters thriving on the rocky seabed.

A term used to describe something that is considered a delicacy, especially in culinary contexts.

Some people consider oysters an aphrodisiac.

verb

To gather or harvest oysters.

He spent the afternoon oystering along the coast.

Middle English 'oistre', from Old French 'oistre', from Latin 'ostrea', from Greek 'ostreon'.

the world is your oyster

You are free to do anything you want and go anywhere you want in life.

pearl

A hard, round object produced within the soft tissue of a living mollusk.

shellfish

Aquatic animals with a shell, including crustaceans and mollusks.

bivalve

A type of mollusk that has two shells hinged together.

To be reserved or shy in social situations.

Stop being such an oyster and join the party!