Snail (snl), n. [OE. snaile, AS. snægel, snegel, snægl; akin to G.
schnecke, OHG. snecko, Dan. snegl, Icel. snigill.] 1. (Zoöl.) (a) Any
one of numerous species of terrestrial air-breathing gastropods
belonging to the genus Helix and many allied genera of the family
Helicidæ. They are abundant in nearly all parts of the world except the
arctic regions, and feed almost entirely on vegetation; a land snail.
(b) Any gastropod having a general resemblance to the true snails,
including fresh-water and marine species. See Pond snail, under Pond,
and Sea snail.