inequivalve

[ in-ee-kwuh-valv ]

Phonetic (Standard)IPA

adjective

(of a bivalve mollusk) having the valves of the shell unequal in shape and size.

First recorded in 1770–80; in- ³ + equi- + valve

A fossil imperfectly described as differing from Pinna, in being inequivalve.

In the former, all the shells are inequivalve; in the latter equivalve.

A bivalve is said to be equivalve when the two shells composing it are of the same size, inequivalve when they are not.

Asymmetrical, inequivalve, fixed, with extensive pallial sutures; no siphons.

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