gastropod
Intermediate (B1)
IPA: /ˈɡæstrəpɒd/
KK: /ˈgæstrəˌpɒd/
adjective
Definition
Relating to a large class of animals that includes snails and slugs, which typically have a single, spirally coiled shell or no shell at all.
Example
The gastropod species found in this area are known for their unique shell shapes.
Conversation
Did you know that some gastropod species can be quite colorful?
Really? I never thought of snails as colorful creatures.
Yeah, some even have beautiful patterns on their shells.
That sounds fascinating! I might need to learn more about them.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
molluscan
snail-like
slug-like
Antonyms
nonmolluscan
invertebrate
terrestrial
noun
Definition
A type of mollusk that includes animals like snails and slugs, which often have a single shell or no shell at all, and a muscular foot for movement.
Example
The garden was full of gastropods, including colorful snails and slugs.
Conversation
Have you ever seen a gastropod up close?
Yeah, I saw a slug in my garden last week!
They’re really interesting creatures, aren't they?
Root Explanation
Gastropod → It is formed from "gastro-" (from Greek "gaster", meaning stomach) and "pod" (from Greek "pous", meaning foot). The word "gastropod" refers to a class of mollusks that have a stomach-foot, which is characteristic of snails and slugs.
Memory Tip
Think of 'gastro-' meaning stomach and 'pod' meaning foot — this helps you remember that a gastropod is a creature with a foot located under its stomach.
Visually Confused Words
No commonly confused words.