shellfish
/ˈʃɛl.fɪʃ/noun★Beginner
formal
Marine animals with a hard outer shell, such as clams, oysters, and crabs, often consumed as food.
She ordered a platter of shellfish at the seafood restaurant.
He enjoys eating shellfish like lobster and shrimp.
💡
Shellfish are a common source of allergens and should be avoided by those with shellfish allergies.
Collocations
shellfish allergyan allergic reaction to shellfishshellfish plattera dish containing various types of shellfish
Synonyms
Antonyms
💡Pro Tip
Allergy Awareness
Shellfish allergies are common and can be severe. Always check food labels and inform servers about allergies.
📖Word Origin
From Middle English 'schelfyssh,' from Old English 'sċellfisc,' combining 'sċell' (shell) and 'fisc' (fish).
📝Usage Notes
Shellfish are often distinguished from other seafood like finfish. Some religious and cultural diets restrict shellfish consumption.
Word Breakdown
shell
hard outer covering
rootfish
aquatic animal
rootEnglish Dictionary