oyster

n. a sea animal with a hard, rough shell that stays in one place on rocks.

n. a marine bivalve mollusc, typically found in shallow coastal or brackish waters, often harvested for food or pearls.

“We ordered a dozen fresh oysters at the seafood restaurant by the harbour.”

“The local economy relies heavily on the cultivation of oysters, which thrive in the nutrient-rich waters of the estuary.”

n. used in the phrase 'the world is your oyster' to mean you can do anything you want.

n. used figuratively to describe a situation where one has the freedom and opportunity to achieve anything.

“Now that you have graduated, the world is your oyster.”

“With his newfound wealth and professional connections, he felt that the world was his oyster, offering limitless possibilities for travel and investment.”

n. a person who is very quiet and keeps secrets well.

n. a person who is remarkably taciturn or capable of maintaining strict confidentiality.

“You can tell Sarah anything; she is an absolute oyster.”

“Despite the intense pressure from the press, the witness remained an oyster, refusing to divulge any details regarding the private meeting.”

Informal

n. a small, tasty piece of dark meat found on the back of a chicken or turkey.

n. the small, oval-shaped morsel of tender dark meat located in a cavity of the pelvic bone in fowl.

“The chef says the oyster is the best part of the roasted chicken.”

“Experienced carvers know to extract the oysters from the underside of the bird, as they are widely considered the most succulent portion of the carcass.”

Technical

n. a plastic card used to pay for travel on buses and trains in London.

n. a form of electronic ticket used on public transport in Greater London.

“I need to top up my Oyster card before we go to the tube station.”

“Commuters in London frequently use their Oyster cards for seamless transfers between the Underground and local bus networks.”

British English

v. to look for or collect oysters from the sea.

v. to gather, dredge, or fish for oysters.

“The family has been oystering in these waters for three generations.”

“Local regulations strictly limit the months during which commercial vessels are permitted to oyster in the protected bay.”

Technical