agate snail

noun

: a member of the African family Achatinidae which includes the largest known land mollusks, some reaching 9 or 10 inches in length compare achatina

Word History

Etymology

so called from the variegated colors

First Known Use

circa 1815, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of agate snail was circa 1815

Love words?

You must — there are over 200,000 words in our free online dictionary, but you are looking for one that’s only in the Merriam-Webster Unabridged Dictionary.

Start your free trial today and get unlimited access to America's largest dictionary, with:

  • More than 250,000 words that aren't in our free dictionary
  • Expanded definitions, etymologies, and usage notes
  • Advanced search features
  • Ad free!

Dictionary Entries Near agate snail

Cite this Entry

“Agate snail.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/agate%20snail. Accessed 30 Nov. 2024.

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!