NAUTILUS Meaning and
Definition
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Nautilus refers to a marine mollusk belonging to the cephalopod family Nautilidae, which is characterized by its spiral-shaped shell. It is one of the few living representatives of an ancient group of cephalopods that date back over 500 million years. The Nautilus possesses a coiled external shell known as a "helicoid conch," which is divided into a series of chambers. As the Nautilus grows, it builds new chambers and moves into the larger and more recently formed ones, essentially occupying only the final chamber.
The shell of the Nautilus plays a vital role in providing protection and buoyancy control. These fascinating creatures can regulate their depth by altering the ratio of gases inside the chambers, using the siphuncle, a thin cord-like structure that connects the chambers and enables the exchange of gases. As the Nautilus moves through the water, it utilizes its tentacles, which are adorned with numerous suckers, to capture prey such as small fish and crustaceans. It also possesses a powerful beak that enables it to crush the shells of its prey.
The term "nautilus" is also commonly used to refer to its shell, which has a distinct, iridescent appearance. Due to its beautiful design, the nautilus shell has been cherished by many cultures throughout history and has become a symbol of perfection and harmony in numerous artistic and mathematical representations.
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Other Common Misspellings for NAUTILUS
Etymology of NAUTILUS
The word "nautilus" has its roots in Latin. It comes from the Latin word "nautilos", which itself originated from the Greek word "nautilos". Both Latin and Greek words referred to a marine creature, specifically the chambered nautilus, which is a type of mollusk. The term "nautilos" can be traced back further to the Greek word "naus", meaning "ship", and "nautes", which means "sailor". This is because the structure of the chambered nautilus resembles a ship's sail, and it was believed to navigate the ocean like a sailor.
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