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Ammonite - Meaning, Definition & English Examples

An ammonite is an extinct marine mollusk with a coiled, spiral shell, often found as a fossil. These creatures lived during the Mesozoic era and are related to modern squid and octopuses.

ammonite

/ˈæməˌnaɪt/ /ˈæmənaɪt/

Definition:

An extinct marine mollusk with a coiled shell, often found as a fossil.

Synonyms:

fossil shell, nautiloid, cephalopod

Part of Speech:

noun

Antonyms:

living mollusk, modern cephalopod

Common Collocations:

ammonite fossil, coiled ammonite, ancient ammonite

Derivatives:

ammonitic, ammonitoid

Usage Tips:

Use "ammonite" to refer to the fossilized remains of these prehistoric creatures.

Common Phrases:

coiled like an ammonite, ancient as an ammonite, fossilized ammonite

Etymology:

From Latin "ammonites," named after the Egyptian god Ammon, depicted with ram horns resembling coiled shells.

Examples:

  • 1. The museum displayed a large ammonite fossil.
  • 2. She found an ammonite while hiking near the cliffs.
  • 3. Ammonites lived millions of years ago in ancient seas.
  • 4. The spiral shape of the ammonite is mesmerizing.

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