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Glite Dictionary
Cypraea tigris

Cypraea tigris

9.9
A large sea snail with a shiny spotted shell used for decoration
  • noun
  • Specialized
translation icon : Cypraea tigris
  • She found a beautiful Cypraea tigris shell while snorkeling near the coral reef.

Examples

  • The shell of the Cypraea tigris is prized by collectors for its striking pattern.

  • Ancient cultures used Cypraea tigris shells as decorative ornaments and sometimes as currency.

  • The beautiful Cypraea tigris was displayed in the museum.

  • Have you ever seen a Cypraea tigris shell?

  • Ancient cultures used Cypraea tigris shells as decorative ornaments in jewelry and art.

  • Many artisans create unique pieces using the glossy shell of the Cypraea tigris for home decor.

  • Collectors often seek the Cypraea tigris for its distinct spotted pattern and craftsmanship.

Synonyms

tiger cowrie
vsCypraea tigris
  • UK
9.9

A large tropical sea snail with a shiny oval shell marked with dark spots often used in jewelry

is the formal scientific name used in classification and technical contexts

Surface Forms

Cypraea tigris singular
Cypraea tigrises plural

Morphology

Cypraea + tigris

The binomial combines 'Cypraea' (a cowrie) with 'tigris' (evoking 'tiger'), so a learner who knows both constituents could infer it is a tiger‑marked or tiger‑like cowrie species. However, fine-grained information in the definition (e.g. its large size and conventional use for ornamentation) and the Latin species name are not fully predictable from the parts, making the overall meaning only partially transparent.

Etymology

The name Cypraea tigris may come from the shell's shiny surface and dark spots that look like a tiger, so tigris means 'tiger'. That's why people prized these large cowrie shells for decoration and sometimes used them like 'money'.