tiger cowrie
Definition
Noun: 1. A marine mollusk (Cypraea tigris): A species of large sea snail, a type of cowrie, known for its glossy, egg-shaped shell which is patterned with dark spots or blotches on a pale background, resembling a tiger's markings. 2. The shell of this mollusk: The hard, porcelain-like shell of the tiger cowrie, historically used as ornamentation, currency, or in ritual contexts.
Usage Examples
- Noun (referring to the animal):
- We saw a tiger cowrie slowly moving across the coral reef.
- The tiger cowrie is one of the largest and most well-known cowrie species.
- Noun (referring to the shell):
- She collected a beautiful tiger cowrie from the beach.
- In some cultures, the tiger cowrie was used as a form of money.
Advanced Usage
- In historical/anthropological context: The term is often used when discussing trade, adornment, or ceremonial objects in indigenous cultures across the Pacific and Indian Oceans.
- The ceremonial headdress was decorated with several prized tiger cowries.
Variants and Related Words
- Tiger shell: A less common, descriptive synonym.
- Cypraea tigris: The scientific (Latin) name for the species.
- Cowrie/Cowry (n): The general term for all mollusks in the family Cypraeidae, to which the tiger cowrie belongs.
Synonyms
- Cypraea tigris (scientific name).
- Tiger shell (descriptive synonym).
Related Phrases/Idioms
- None directly associated: There are no common idioms or phrasal verbs specifically using "tiger cowrie." It is primarily a zoological and anthropological term.
Noun
-
cowrie whose shell is used for ornament
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