■ noun
1》 a bivalve marine mollusc with a rough, flattened, irregularly oval shell, several kinds of which are farmed for food or pearls. [ Ostrea edulis (Europe), Crassostrea virginica (America), and other species.]
2》 a shade of greyish white.
3》 an oval morsel of meat on each side of the backbone in poultry.
Phrases
the world is one's ~ one is in a position to enjoy a broad range of opportunities. [from Shakespeare's Merry Wives of Windsor (II. ii. 5).]
Origin
ME: from OFr. oistre , via L. from Gk ostreon ; related to osteon 'bone' and ostrakon 'shell or tile'.