A class of the phylum Mollusca that includes the snails, whelks, slugs, and limpets. [gastro- + G. pous (pod-), foot]
* * *
Gas·tro·poda ga-'sträp-ə-də n pl a large class of mollusks (as snails) with a univalve shell or none and usu. with a distinct head bearing sensory organs
gas·tro·pod 'gas-trə-.päd n or adj
* * *
Gas·trop·o·da (gas-tropґə-də) [gastro- + Gr. pous foot] a class of mollusks embracing the snails, slugs, whelks, abalones, and others, including many species that serve as primary and intermediate hosts of pathogens.Medical dictionary. 2011.