Meaning & Definition of word "Oyster"

Oyster

/ˈɔɪ.stər/

noun:

  • 1. A marine mollusk with a rough, irregular shell that can be harvested for its edible flesh and sometimes produces pearls.
    • Example: We enjoyed freshly shucked oysters at the seafood restaurant.
  • 2. Any of various bivalve mollusks of the family Ostreidae, with leathery inner surfaces, often found attached to rock or other surfaces.
    • Example: The diver discovered a bed of oysters thriving on the rocky seabed.
  • 3. A term used to describe something that is considered a delicacy, especially in culinary contexts.
    • Example: Some people consider oysters an aphrodisiac.

verb:

  • 1. To gather or harvest oysters.
    • Example: He spent the afternoon oystering along the coast.

Etymology

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

Common Phrases and Expressions

the world is your oyster:

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

Related Words

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.

Slang Meanings of oyster

Meaning: To be reserved or shy in social situations.

Example Sentence: Stop being such an oyster and join the party!