oyster
UK: ˈɔɪstə | US: ˈɔɪstər
n. a bivalve mollusk with a rough, irregularly shaped shell, some species of which are edible and prized as seafood
n. (figurative) something from which a benefit or advantage may be extracted
n. (slang, archaic) a taciturn or uncommunicative person
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The word "oyster" traces back to Old French oistre, derived from Latin ostrea (plural ostreae), which itself comes from Ancient Greek ὄστρεον (óstreon), meaning "oyster" or "shellfish." The Greek term likely shares roots with ὀστέον (ostéon, "bone"), reflecting the hard, calcified shell of the mollusk. The word’s journey through Latin and Old French into English preserved its core meaning, though its spelling evolved. As a monomorphic word, "oyster" resists segmentation into smaller meaningful units in modern English.
The chef served fresh oysters with lemon and mignonette sauce.
The coastal town’s economy thrived on its oyster beds.
He was an oyster of a man, rarely sharing his thoughts.
The new software proved to be an oyster of untapped potential.
She pried open the oyster to reveal a gleaming pearl inside.