Cyclophorus

/saɪ.kˈlɒf.ə.rəs/ noun

Definition

A genus of tropical land snails with shell spirals, or a spiral-shaped anatomical structure.

Etymology

From 'cyclo-' (circle) + 'phorus' (bearing/carrying), Greek-derived scientific Latin meaning 'spiral-bearing.' Named in the 18th century for the snail's characteristic coiled shell.

Kelly Says

Cyclophorus snails are found across Southeast Asia and the Pacific, and their shells are so elegantly spiraled that scientists named them after the spiral itself—a perfect example of how nature inspires scientific naming.

Related Words

Explore More Words

Get the Word Orb API

Complete word intelligence in one call. Free tier — 50 lookups/day.