pulmonate
Upper-Intermediate (B2)
IPA: /ˈpʌlməneɪt/
KK: /ˈpʌlməˌneɪt/
adjective
Definition
Relating to a group of mollusks that have lungs or lung-like organs, including most land snails and slugs, which can breathe air.
Example
The pulmonate snails are often found in gardens and can be recognized by their ability to breathe air.
Conversation
Did you know that some snails are pulmonate?
Really? What does that mean exactly?
It means they have lung-like organs to breathe air.
That's interesting! I had no idea snails could breathe like that.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
aerial
respiratory
lunged
Antonyms
aquatic
gill
nonrespiratory
noun
Definition
A type of snail or slug that breathes air and belongs to a specific group of soft-bodied animals.
Example
The garden was filled with various pulmonates, slowly moving across the damp soil.
Conversation
Did you know that a pulmonate is actually a type of snail?
Really? I had no idea they were called that.
Yeah, they have lungs instead of gills, which is pretty interesting.
Root Explanation
Pulmonate → It is formed from "pulmo" (from Latin, meaning lung) and the suffix "-ate" (indicating a state or condition). The word "pulmonate" refers to organisms that possess lungs or lung-like structures, particularly in the context of certain mollusks.
Memory Tip
Think of 'pulmo' which means 'lung' — this helps you remember that 'pulmonate' refers to creatures that have lungs or lung-like features.
Visually Confused Words
umbonate