#1 abalone

abalone - [ab-uh-loh-nee]
-a large mollusk of the genus Haliotis, having a bowllike shell bearing a row of respiratory holes, the flesh of which is used for food and the shell for ornament and as a source of mother-of-pearl.

From: 1840–50, Americanism; taken as sing. of California Sp abulones, pl. of abulón

Mnemonic (Learning Aids):

Abalone is far from baloney. Everything about it is beautiful: its soft vowel sounds, the rhythmic flow, its metaphorical possibilities in poetry with respect to its life and aesthetic dimensions. It's spelled pretty well as it sounds.

The Abalone Song by Jack London

Oh, some folks boast of quail on toast
Because they think it's toney,
But I'm content to owe my rent
And live on abalone.
Oh! Mission Point's a friendly joint,
Where ev'ry crab's a crony,
And true and kind you'll ever find
The clinging abalone...


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