An oyster is a shellfish with a rough shell that lives in the sea, some of which can produce pearls inside their shells.
From Old French *oistre*, from Latin *ostrea*, from Greek *ostreon* meaning “oyster.” The root is related to *osteon* meaning “bone,” probably because of the hard shell.
Pearls are actually an oyster’s defense system—layers of smooth material wrapped around an irritant like a grain of sand. The saying “the world is your oyster” suggests the world might be hiding treasures if you’re willing to pry it open.
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