◙ noun 1. any of a number of bivalve molluscs with rough irregular shells. Several kinds are eaten (especially raw) as a delicacy and may be farmed for food or pearls • 牡蛎，蚝 2. a true oyster (family Ostreidae), in particular the edible common European oyster [Ostrea edulis] and American oyster [Crassostrea virginica] with modifiera similar bivalve of another family, in particular the thorny oysters [Spondylidae] , wing oysters [Pteriidae] , and saddle oysters [Anomiidae] • 真牡蛎（牡蛎科），尤指可食用的食用牡蛎（拉丁名Ostrea edulis）及贞洁巨牡蛎（拉丁名Crassostrea virginica） 牡蛎状双壳类软体动物，尤指棘牡蛎（海菊蛤科），翅牡蛎（珍珠贝科）及马鞍牡蛎（不等蛤科） [mass noun] the colour oyster white • （颜色）牡蛎白 3. an oyster-shaped morsel of meat on each side of the backbone in poultry • （鸡脊骨两边的）蚝状鸡背肉
【IDIOMS】
◘ the world is your oyster 1. you are in a position to take the opportunities that life has to offer • 你可随心所欲了
【语源】
1. Middle English: from Old French oistre, via Latin from Greek ostreon; related to osteon 'bone' and ostrakon 'shell or tile'