equivalve

[ee-kwuh-valv]

adjective

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of equivalve¹

First recorded in 1860–65; equi- + valve

Example Sentences

Shell longitudinal, wedge-shaped, equivalve, the valves gaping; the umbones straight, pointed.

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Shell bivalve, equivalve, very transversely elongated, open at both ends.

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Shell transverse, equivalve, not affixed, the tops decorticated.

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

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