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chiton

noun
chi·​ton | \ ˈkī-tᵊn How to pronounce chiton (audio) , ˈkī-ˌtän\

Definition of chiton

1 : any of a class (Polyplacophora) of elongated bilaterally symmetrical marine mollusks with a dorsal shell of calcareous plates
2 [ Greek chitōn ] : the basic garment of ancient Greece worn usually knee-length by men and full-length by women

Examples of chiton in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

 At a dinner last month, Mr. Lai served small bowls filled with citrus broth and those whelks, periwinkles and chitons tucked into a tangle of seaweed invasive to the Everglades. — Florence Fabricant, New York Times, "Eradicating Invasive Species One Sushi Roll at a Time," 15 Apr. 2016 Similarly, fleeing limpets and chitons navigated stony surfaces with the fascinating rapidity of ice forming across a winter pond. — Clark Fair, Alaska Dispatch News, "Colorful kaleidoscope of marine life in Homer tidepools," 8 July 2017

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'chiton.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

First Known Use of chiton

1816, in the meaning defined at sense 1

History and Etymology for chiton

New Latin, genus name, from Greek chitōn tunic, of Semitic origin; akin to Hebrew kuttōneth tunic

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More from Merriam-Webster on chiton

Rhyming Dictionary: Words that rhyme with chiton

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about chiton

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