Definition

1. Noun:
   • A type of large sea snail: An abalone is a marine mollusk belonging to the genus Haliotis. It is characterized by a distinctive, flattened, ear-shaped shell that is often iridescent on the inside.
   • An edible seafood: The muscular foot of the abalone is considered a delicacy in many cuisines, particularly in East Asia and along the Pacific coast.

Examples of Usage

• Noun:
  • Divers harvested abalone from the rocky coastline.
  • The interior of the abalone shell has a beautiful, pearly luster.
  • Abalone is often served sliced thinly as sashimi or grilled.

Advanced Usage

• "Abalone shell": Specifically refers to the hard, protective outer structure of the animal, which is valued for its mother-of-pearl lining.
  • The artisan used pieces of abalone shell for inlay work on the guitar.
• "Abalone fishery": Refers to the industry or activity of harvesting abalone, often subject to strict regulations due to overfishing.
  • The abalone fishery was closed to allow the population to recover.

Variants and Related Words

• Ormer (n): A regional name for abalone, used primarily in the Channel Islands.
• Paua (n): The Māori name for a species of abalone found in New Zealand, also referring to its shell used in jewelry.
• Haliotis (n): The scientific genus name for abalone.

Synonyms

• Sea ear: A descriptive synonym referencing the shell's shape.
• Muttonfish: A colloquial name used in some regions, like Australia.

Related Phrases

• Abalone diver: A person who harvests abalone, typically by free diving.
  • He worked for years as an abalone diver off the California coast.
• Abalone pearl: A rare, non-nacreous pearl sometimes produced by an abalone.
  • The necklace featured a rare, blue abalone pearl.

Noun

1. any of various large edible marine gastropods of the genus Haliotis having an ear-shaped shell with pearly interior