bivalve

[bahy-valv]

noun

1. Also called lamellibranch. Zoology.,  any mollusk, as the oyster, clam, scallop, or mussel, of the class Bivalvia, having two shells hinged together, a soft body, and lamellate gills.

adjective

1. Botany.,  having two valves, as a seedcase.

2. Zoology.,  having two shells, usually united by a hinge.

3. having two similar parts hinged together.

bivalve

/ ˈbaɪˌvælv /

noun

1. Also: pelecypod.  lamellibranch. any marine or freshwater mollusc of the class Pelecypoda (formerly Bivalvia or Lamellibranchia ), having a laterally compressed body, a shell consisting of two hinged valves, and gills for respiration. The group includes clams, cockles, oysters, and mussels

adjective

1. Also: pelecypod.  lamellibranch. of, relating to, or belonging to the Pelecypoda

2. Also: bivalvate. biology having or consisting of two valves or similar parts

   a bivalve seed capsule

bivalve

1. Any of various mollusks of the class Bivalvia, having a shell consisting of two halves hinged together. Clams, oysters, scallops, and mussels are bivalves. The class Bivalvia is also called Pelecypoda, and was formerly called Lamellibranchia.

2. Compare univalve

Other Word Forms

• bivalvular adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of bivalve¹

First recorded in 1670–80; bi- ¹ + valve

Example Sentences

Speaking of what makes up this most delicious and fragrant stew and despite the name, go on and include shellfish: crustaceans, mollusks or bivalves, anything you like.

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This would help them both bury themselves to avoid predators and sense the location of the bivalves upon which they prey.

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Native to rivers and creeks in China and Southeast Asia, the bivalves have appeared in waterways elsewhere in Asia as well as South American countries, including Brazil, Argentina, Uruguay and Paraguay.

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Golden mussels, invasive freshwater bivalves that have devastated ecosystems and critical water infrastructure in other parts of the world, were recently discovered near the Port of Stockton.

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Lucinids are marine bivalves that inhabit both the Caribbean and Pacific waters surrounding the Isthmus of Panama.

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