What does seashell mean?
A seashell is the hard, usually calcium carbonate shell of a marine mollusc, such as a snail or a bivalve. Seashells are commonly found on beaches and are often collected for their beauty or used in crafts. They can be used as decorative objects, musical instruments, or simply as a reminder of a trip to the ocean. The term 'seashell' can also refer to the shell of a mollusc that has been washed up on shore and is no longer inhabited by the animal. Seashells come in a wide range of shapes, sizes, and colors, and are a popular subject for study and collection.
nounThe hard, usually calcium carbonate shell of a marine mollusc, such as a snail or a bivalve.
- The hard outer covering of a marine mollusc.
- A decorative object, often used in crafts or as a musical instrument.
"The child collected a large, spiral seashell on the beach."
"The beach was littered with seashells of all shapes and sizes."
"She used seashells to create a beautiful wind chime."
The plural form 'seashells' is used to refer to multiple shells.
"She collected many seashells on her trip to the beach."
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of seashell
The word 'seashell' has its roots in Old English and Germanic languages. The term 'shell' comes from the Old English word 'scell', which referred to a shell or a husk. The prefix 'sea-' was added to distinguish the shells of marine molluscs from those of land-dwelling animals. The word 'seashell' has been used in English since the 14th century to refer to the shells of marine molluscs.
How seashell is actually used
Often used in a decorative or musical context, or as a collectible item.