ˈɔɪstə n. 1
any of
various bivalve molluscs of
the family Ostreidae or Aviculidae,
esp. an
edible kind, Ostrea edulus, of
European waters. 2 an oyster-shaped
morsel of
meat in a fowl's
back. 3
something regarded as containing
all that one desires (the
world is my oyster). 4 (in full oyster-white) a
white colour with a
grey tinge. øoyster-bank (or -bed) a
part of the sea-bottom
where oysters
breed or are
bred. oyster-catcher any usu. coastal wading
bird of the
genus Haematopus, with a
strong orange-coloured bill, feeding on
shellfish. oyster-farm an
area of the
seabed used
for breeding oysters. oyster-plant 1 =
SALSIFY. 2 a blue-flowered
plant, Mertensia maritima, growing on beaches. [ME & OF oistre f. L ostrea, ostreum f. Gk ostreon]