Definition

Noun: 1. A marine mollusk: A cowry is a type of sea snail, a gastropod mollusk belonging to the family Cypraeidae. Its most distinctive feature is its smooth, highly polished, and often brightly colored or patterned shell. 2. The shell of this mollusk: The term also refers specifically to the glossy, often egg-shaped shell of this animal, which has historically been used as currency, ornamentation, and in ritual contexts in various cultures.

Usage and Examples

• Cowries were once used as money in many parts of Africa and Asia.
• She collected a beautiful spotted cowry from the beach.
• The necklace was made of strung cowry shells.

Advanced Usage

• "Cowrie" as a variant spelling: The word is also commonly spelled "cowrie". Both "cowry" and "cowrie" are correct and refer to the same thing.
• Historical/Cultural Context: In discussions of anthropology, history, or economics, "cowry" often specifically denotes its use as a form of shell money.
  • The trade was conducted using cowries as the primary medium of exchange.

Variants and Related Words

• Cowrie (n): An alternative spelling of "cowry".
• Cypraeid (n/adj): A technical term referring to any member of the cowry family (Cypraeidae).
• Shell money (n): A general term for currency made from shells, of which cowries are the most famous example.

Synonyms

• Shell (in the specific context of currency or the animal): (e.g., "shell money").
• Cypraea (n): The genus name, used in scientific contexts.

Idioms and Phrases

• None directly associated: There are no common English idioms that use the word "cowry". Its usage is primarily literal, referring to the animal or its shell.

Noun

1. any of numerous tropical marine gastropods of the genus Cypraea having highly polished usually brightly marked shells