pelecypod

[ puh-les-uh-pod ]

/ pəˈlɛs əˌpɒd /

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noun

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.

adjective

Also pel·e·cyp·o·dous

[pel-uh-sip-uh-duhs]. /ˌpɛl əˈsɪp ə dəs/. belonging or pertaining to the Pelecypoda.

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Origin of pelecypod

1855–60; <New Latin Pelecypoda<Greek péleky(s) hatchet + New Latin -poda;see -pod

Words nearby pelecypod

pelargonium, Pelasgi, Pelasgian, Pelasgic, Pelé, pelecypod, Pelée, pelerine, Pele's hair, Pele's tears, Peleus

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

How to use pelecypod in a sentence

Excepting in a few families, the pelecypod foot is well developed.
The Sea-beach at Ebb-tide|Augusta Foote Arnold
In many respects this is the most distinguished pelecypod family.
The Sea-beach at Ebb-tide|Augusta Foote Arnold
When a pelecypod dies and the pull of the adductor muscles is released, the valves gape open.
The Sea-beach at Ebb-tide|Augusta Foote Arnold
The greatest possible degree of variation exists in the structure of the pelecypod shell.
The Sea-beach at Ebb-tide|Augusta Foote Arnold

The accompanying cut shows Mytilus edulis, a common east-coast pelecypod, attached by its byssus to a piece of wood.
The Sea-beach at Ebb-tide|Augusta Foote Arnold

British Dictionary definitions for pelecypod

pelecypod

/ (pɪˈlɛsɪˌpɒd) /

noun, adjective

another word for bivalve (def. 1), bivalve (def. 2)

Word Origin for pelecypod

C19: from Greek pelekus hatchet + -pod

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012