Oyster

Oyster

Noun · /ˈɔɪstə/ · a bivalve mollusc — and a word for limitless opportunity

Definition

A marine bivalve mollusc with a rough irregular shell, many species of which are edible and some of which produce pearls. Also used figuratively in the phrase the world is your oyster to mean that all opportunities are open to you.

Origin

Middle English oistre, from Old French, from Latin ostrea, from Greek ostreon — related to osteon (bone) and ostrakon (shell or potsherd). The animal's hard shell suggested the connection to bone and hard coverings.