snail

snail, a gastropod, especially one having an enclosing shell, into which it may retract completely for protection. A gastropod lacking a shell is commonly called a slug or sea slug.

This article was most recently revised and updated by Amy Tikkanen.
Citation Information
Article Title: snail
Website Name: Encyclopaedia Britannica
Publisher: Encyclopaedia Britannica, Inc.
Date Published: 30 November 2024
Access Date: February 23, 2025