scallop

Also scol·lop

[skol-uhp, skal-]

noun

1. any of the bivalve mollusks of the genus Argopecten (Pecten ) and related genera that swim by rapidly clapping the fluted shell valves together.

2. the adductor muscle of certain species of such mollusks, used as food.

3. one of the shells of such a mollusk, usually having radial ribs and a wavy outer edge.

4. a scallop shell or a dish in which food, especially seafood, is baked and served.

5. Cooking.,  a thin slice of meat, usually further flattened by pounding with a mallet or other implement.

6. any of a series of curved projections cut along the edge, as of a fabric.

verb (used with object)

1. to finish (an edge) with scallops.

2. Cooking.,  to escallop.

verb (used without object)

1. to dredge for scallops.

scallop

/ ˈskɒləp, ˈskæl- /

noun

1. any of various marine bivalves of the family Pectinidae, having a fluted fan-shaped shell: includes free-swimming species (genus Pecten ) and species attached to a substratum (genus Chlamys ) See also pecten

2. the edible adductor muscle of certain of these molluscs

3. either of the shell valves of any of these molluscs

4. a scallop shell or similarly shaped dish, in which fish, esp shellfish, is cooked and served

5. one of a series of curves along an edge, esp an edge of cloth

6. the shape of a scallop shell used as the badge of a pilgrim, esp in the Middle Ages

7. a potato cake fried in batter

verb

1. (tr) to decorate (an edge) with scallops

2. to bake (food) in a scallop shell or similar dish

3. (intr) to collect scallops

Other Word Forms

• unscalloped adjective
• scalloping noun
• scalloper noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of scallop¹

1350–1400; Middle English scalop, aphetic variant of escal(l)op escallop; sense “thin slice of meat” probably by association with French escalope escalope

Word History and Origins

Origin of scallop¹

C14: from Old French escalope shell, of Germanic origin; see _scalp

Example Sentences

Lincoln Park also offers one of the best midday deals in the city: a $38 lunch tasting menu with edamame, spicy tuna crispy rice, sashimi and nigiri, a scallop hand roll, and more.

Read more on Salon

For months, Isaac has whipped up homemade scallop dinners, while Iris patiently played it cool.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Scrubbing pots and pans, scraping plates and peeling mountains of potatoes, tearing the little beards off mussels, picking scallops and cleaning shrimp did not sound or look attractive to me.

Read more on Salon

The deal also benefits shellfish producers after the EU banned British fishermen from selling live mussels, oysters, clams, cockles and scallops to its member states in 2021.

Read more on BBC

This algae, some of it toxic, in turn becomes a food source for shellfish species including mussels, clams, oysters and scallops.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• clam 
• conch 
• crawfish 
• crustacean 
• lobster 
• mollusk 
• mussel 
• oyster 
• prawn 
• shrimp 
• snail