pelecypod
[puh-les-uh-pod]
- any mollusk of the class Pelecypoda (Lamellibranchiata), characterized by a bivalve shell enclosing the headless body and lamellate gills, comprising the oysters, clams, mussels, and scallops.
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- Also pel·e·cyp·o·dous [pel-uh-sip-uh-duh s] /ˌpɛl əˈsɪp ə dəs/. belonging or pertaining to the Pelecypoda.
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Origin of pelecypod
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2018
Examples from the Web for pelecypod
Historical Examples
Excepting in a few families, the pelecypod foot is well developed.
The Sea-beach at Ebb-tideAugusta Foote Arnold
When a pelecypod dies and the pull of the adductor muscles is released, the valves gape open.
The Sea-beach at Ebb-tideAugusta Foote Arnold
The greatest possible degree of variation exists in the structure of the pelecypod shell.
The Sea-beach at Ebb-tideAugusta Foote Arnold
A good balance is preserved between them all, the result being a high type of pelecypod.
The Sea-beach at Ebb-tideAugusta Foote Arnold
In this family we encounter, rather suddenly, some new features not heretofore seen in the pelecypod structure.
The Sea-beach at Ebb-tideAugusta Foote Arnold
pelecypod
- another word for bivalve (def. 1), bivalve (def. 2)
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Word Origin
C19: from Greek pelekus hatchet + -pod
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition
© William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins
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