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inequivalve

American  
[in-ee-kwuh-valv] / ɪnˈi kwəˌvælv /

adjective

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

Etymology

Origin of inequivalve

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

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

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

From Sea-Weeds, Shells and Fossils by Gray, Peter

The Anatinidæ have thin, often inequivalve pearly shells.

From Sea-Weeds, Shells and Fossils by Gray, Peter

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.