Ammonites are fascinating creatures that lived millions of years ago. They are extinct marine animals that belong to the phylum Mollusca and class Cephalopoda. Ammonites are known for their distinctive spiral-shaped shells, which are often used in jewelry and as decorative objects. In this article, we will explore the definition, meaning, and associations of ammonite.
Definitions
Ammonite is a noun that refers to a fossilized shell of an extinct marine mollusk that lived during the Mesozoic era. The word “ammonite” comes from the Greek word “ammon,” which means “horned.” This is because the coiled shell of the ammonite resembles a ram’s horn.
Origin of ammonite.
Ammonites first appeared in the fossil record around 400 million years ago during the Devonian period. They reached their peak diversity and abundance during the Jurassic and Cretaceous periods, around 200-65 million years ago. Ammonites went extinct at the end of the Cretaceous period, along with the dinosaurs.
Meaning in different dictionaries.
According to the Merriam-Webster dictionary, ammonite is “a coiled shell of an extinct cephalopod mollusk that is found in the fossil state and resembles a ram’s horn.” The Oxford English Dictionary defines ammonite as “a fossil mollusk with a spiral shell, typically occurring in the Mesozoic era.”
Associations of ammonite.
Ammonites are associated with the ancient world, evolution, and natural history. They are often used as decorative objects, and their spiral shape is thought to symbolize the cyclical nature of life and the universe. Ammonites are also associated with the zodiac sign of Capricorn, which is represented by the symbol of a goat with a fish tail.
Synonyms of ammonite.
Some synonyms of ammonite include fossil shell, cephalopod fossil, and ammonoid.
Antonyms of ammonite.
As ammonites are extinct, there are no antonyms for this term.
The same root words ammonite.
The root word “ammon” is also found in the names of other animals, such as the ammonite’s living relative, the nautilus. It is also found in the name of the ancient Egyptian god Amun, who was often depicted with a ram’s head.
Example Sentences.
- The museum has a collection of ammonite fossils from around the world.
- The jewelry designer used an ammonite shell as the centerpiece of her latest necklace.
- The scientist studied the growth patterns of ammonites to learn more about their evolution.
- The children were fascinated by the ammonite fossil they found while digging in the backyard.
- The artist created a sculpture inspired by the spiral shape of the ammonite shell.