Zool. [mod.L. use of L. strombus spiral shell, a. Gr. στρόμβος anything spirally twisted, a spiral snail-shell.] The typical genus of the family Strombidæ of gastropods, formerly conterminous with the family; a species or individual of this genus, a wing-shell or fountain-shell. Cf. STROMB.
1601. Holland, Pliny, XXXII. x. II. 446. The wilks also or wrinkles called Strombi.
1706. Phillips (ed. Kersey).
1777. Pennant, Brit. Zool. (ed. 4), IV. 122. Strombus. Its animal a Slug.
1802. G. Shaw, Naturalist’s Misc., XIII. Pl. 499 The Spindle Strombus is principally found about the American shores. Ibid., Pl. 519 The Wing Strombus.
1833. A. J. Adderley, Fisheries Bahamas, 24. Mortimer … had discovered the secret of the origin of the pearl, and by a clever contrivance aiding the Strombus in developing its treasure.
b. Comb. as strombus-like, -shaped adjs.
1821. S. F. Gray, Brit. Plants, I. 18. Cod … Strombus-like.
1832. Lindley, Introd. Bot., 373. Strombus-shaped.
