Pronunciation: [məlˈʌskəs] (IPA) 
The word "molluscous" is spelled with two L's and one S, despite the pronunciation sounding like "mollusk-us". This is due to the Latin origin of the word, with "molluscus" being the root. The IPA phonetic transcription of "molluscous" is /ˈmɒləskəs/ with the stressed syllable being the first one. This word refers to animals with soft, unsegmented bodies such as snails, clams, and octopuses.
Molluscous is an adjective that pertains to mollusks, a diverse phylum of invertebrate animals that includes species such as snails, slugs, clams, squids, and octopuses. This term can be used to describe any characteristic, feature, or quality that is associated with mollusks.
In a scientific context, "molluscous" can refer to the presence of specific anatomical structures found in mollusks. For example, the presence of a soft, unsegmented body covered by a mantle, a muscular foot for locomotion, and a calcium carbonate shell are characteristic of many mollusks. These traits can be described as "molluscous" features.
Additionally, "molluscous" can describe the overall appearance or behavior of a species that resembles or is reminiscent of mollusks. For instance, certain marine organisms, such as sea cucumbers or tunicates, may exhibit morphological or behavioral traits that are molluscous in nature.
The term "molluscous" is particularly useful in scientific and zoological contexts when discussing the classification, characteristics, and evolutionary relationships of mollusks. It allows scientists and researchers to describe and categorize various species or traits that are specific to this taxonomic group.
Pert. to or resembling the mollusca.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
The word molluscous is derived from the noun mollusk, which itself comes from the French word mollusque. The French term originated in the 18th century and was derived from the Latin word molluscus, meaning soft. Molluscus was a diminutive form of the Latin adjective mollis, meaning soft or mild. These Latin words were used to describe the soft, unsegmented bodies of animals belonging to the phylum Mollusca, which includes diverse creatures such as snails, clams, squid, and octopuses. Over time, the adjective molluscous was created by adding the suffix -ous to mollusk, signifying having the characteristics of a mollusk or resembling a mollusk.
