CYPRÆA, or Cowrie, a genus of shells belonging to the order of vermes testacea. See CONCHOLOGY Index.

This genus is called cypræa and venerea from its being peculiarly dedicated to Venus, who is said to have endowed a shell of this genus with the powers of a remora, so as to impede the course of the ship which was sent by Periander tyrant of Corinth, with orders to emaculate the young nobility of Corcyra.