Nautilus
['nɔːtɪləs] or ['nɔtɪləs]
Definition
(n.) The only existing genus of tetrabranchiate cephalopods. About four species are found living in the tropical Pacific, but many other species are found fossil. The shell is spiral, symmetrical, and chambered, or divided into several cavities by simple curved partitions, which are traversed and connected together by a continuous and nearly central tube or siphuncle. See Tetrabranchiata.
(n.) The argonaut; -- also called paper nautilus. See Argonauta, and Paper nautilus, under Paper.
(n.) A variety of diving bell, the lateral as well as vertical motions of which are controlled, by the occupants.
Typed by Ann
Definition
n. a Cephalopod found in the southern seas once believed to sail by means of the expanded tentacular arms: a kind of diving-bell sinking or rising by means of condensed air:—pl. Nau′tiluses or Nau′tili.—adjs. Nau′tiliform Nau′tiloid.—Paper nautilus any species of Argonauta.
Inputed by Jarvis
Examples
- With his boat, the Nautilus, he made numerous descents, going down twenty-five feet in the harbor of Brest and remaining there an hour. Various. The Wonder Book of Knowledge.
- Some of the most ancient animals, as the Nautilus, Lingula, etc. Charles Darwin. On the Origin of Species by Means of Natural Selection.
- Seamen say the nautilus is only found in these waters between the 35th and 45th parallels of latitude. Mark Twain. The Innocents Abroad.
Typed by Elinor