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Cypraea

Cypraea

9.9
A group of sea snails with shiny, brightly patterned shells
  • noun
  • /ˈsɪpriə/
  • Specialized
translation icon : Cypraea
  • The collector displayed several beautiful shells from the genus Cypraea.

Examples

  • Look at that beautiful Cypraea shell!

  • Species in the Cypraea group have been prized for their unique patterns and shine.

  • Researchers studied the habitat preferences of Cypraea along the tropical coasts.

  • Wow, a Cypraea!

  • Researchers studied the habitat preferences of Cypraea along the tropical coasts.

  • Species in the Cypraea group have been prized for their unique patterns and shine.

  • The collector displayed several beautiful shells from the genus Cypraea.

Synonyms

cowrie
vsCypraea
1 9.9

A small shiny sea shell used as decoration and once used as money

is the scientific genus name that groups those shell species
cowry
vsCypraea
1 9.1

A small shiny sea shell from tropical seas often used as money or jewelry

is the scientific genus name covering those small shell species
genus Cypraea
vsCypraea
  • Specialized
9.9

A group of sea snails called cowries that have smooth, shiny shells

is the shorter scientific name for that taxonomic group

Compounds

Cypraea moneta
  • Specialized
9.9

A small glossy sea shell used as money in parts of Africa and the Pacific

Cypraea tigris
  • Specialized
9.9

A large sea snail with a shiny spotted shell used for decoration

genus Cypraea
  • Specialized
9.9

A group of sea snails called cowries that have smooth, shiny shells

Surface Forms

Cypraea singular
Cypraeas plural

Etymology

Cypraea comes from the old name for the island Cyprus, so it originally meant 'from Cyprus'. That's why the name was given to the shiny cowrie sea snails and it helps you remember Cypraea are the glossy, patterned marine shells.