oyster

An oyster is a type of shellfish that lives in the ocean.

Oysters are quite famous for their flavor and texture when eaten raw on the half shell. They're often served at fancy restaurants or as part of seafood buffets. Some people love to eat them at the beach, where they can be found fresh from the water. But oysters are also prized for something else: their pearls. A rare gem called a natural pearl forms inside an oyster's shell when an irritant gets in there and the oyster tries to protect itself by coating it with layers of shiny stuff.