ammonite
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8.6
- noun
- /ˈæməˌnaɪt/
- Specialized
- The museum has an extensive collection of ammonite fossils, showcasing their unique spiral shape.
- ammonite fossils
- extinction of the ammonites
- ammonite shells
Examples
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The record of ancient marine life uncovered by Anning runs from coprolites and invertebrates, such as ammonites, to fish and prize fossil reptiles, including several superb ichthyosaurs.
Academic text (1995) -
I also picked up my very first ammonite from one of the other vendors.
Blog text (22) -
PHOTO (COLOR): Patterns on a rock reveal a fossil ammonite in cross section.
Academic text (1995) -
Molluscs like ammonites and belemnites experience an unprecedented growth and are on the menu of most marine predators.
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"If it is found that ichthyosaurs have an exceptionally strong biting force, it may be possible that they preyed upon the coiled ammonites," he said.
Academic text (2012) -
Major museums around the world depended on Craxton's Scientific for everything from tiny ammonite fossils to dinosaur bones to the full-scale dioramas that were so popular at the time, and Henry Craxton became the Henry Ford of natural history.
Fiction book (1998) -
While exploring the cliffs, we discovered a beautifully preserved ammonite fossil embedded in the rock.
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Fossil hunters often search for ammonite specimens in ancient sedimentary layers from millions of years ago.
Synonyms
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9.9
A large extinct sea animal with a spiral shell found as a fossil in Jurassic rocks
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9.9
A fossil sea animal with a coiled shell divided into chambers
Surface Forms
Etymology
Ammonite is named after the Egyptian god Amun, called Ammon by the Greeks, because he was shown with curled 'ram' 'horns' that look like the fossil's spiral. So an ammonite is a coiled shell fossil whose shape reminded people of a small 'horn'.