ENGLISH
REFERENCE

abalones

n. countable
C2 Proficiency US //ˌæbəˈɫoʊniz// abalones

n. large sea snails with a shell that looks like an ear and is shiny like a pearl on the inside. People often eat them as a luxury seafood or use their shells to make jewelry.

n. any of various large edible marine gastropods of the genus Haliotis, having a flattened shell with a pearly iridescent interior. Often harvested for both their meat and their decorative nacre.


SIMPLE

The chef prepares fresh abalones with garlic and butter.

CONTEXTUAL

Divers must follow strict regulations when harvesting abalones to prevent overfishing and protect the local marine ecosystem.

COMPLEX

The iridescent interior of abalones, often referred to as mother-of-pearl, has been utilized for centuries in the creation of intricate jewelry and decorative inlays.

Synonyms
Usage

The plural form 'abalones' is standard, though 'abalone' is sometimes used as a collective plural in culinary or biological contexts.

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