cowrie
/'kauri/ Cách viết khác : (cowry) /'kauri/
Definition
Noun: 1. A type of sea snail: A cowrie is a marine mollusk (a gastropod) belonging to the family Cypraeidae. It is known for its smooth, glossy, and often brightly colored or patterned shell. 2. The shell of this animal: Historically, the durable and attractive shell of the cowrie, especially the money cowrie (Monetaria moneta), was used as a form of currency in various parts of Africa, Asia, and the Pacific.
Usage and Examples
- Noun (Animal):
- We saw a live cowrie crawling on the coral reef.
- The diver carefully returned the cowrie to its habitat.
- Noun (Shell/Object):
- She collected a beautiful spotted cowrie from the beach.
- In ancient times, cowrie shells were traded for goods.
Advanced Usage
- "Money cowrie": A specific species () whose shells were widely used as currency.
- Archaeologists found a stash of money cowrie shells at the trading post.
- Figurative use for value: Can be used poetically or historically to represent primitive currency or inherent beauty.
- The jewels were as precious to her as cowries were to a tribal chief.
Variants and Related Words
- Cowry (noun): An alternative spelling of "cowrie".
- Cypraeid (noun/adjective): The scientific family name for cowries; relating to cowries.
Synonyms
- Shell (general)
- Seashell (general)
- Gastropod shell (scientific)
Related Phrases and Cultural Notes
- Cowrie shell: This is the most common compound phrase, referring specifically to the shell itself.
- She wore a necklace made of cowrie shells.
- Historical Currency: The use of cowrie shells as money is a key cultural and historical concept associated with the word.
- The price was ten cowrie shells per basket of grain.
Noun
-
any of numerous tropical marine gastropods of the genus Cypraea having highly polished usually brightly marked shells
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