soft clam

noun

1. soft-shell clam.

soft clam

noun

1. another name for the soft-shell clam

Word History and Origins

Origin of soft clam¹

An Americanism dating back to 1850–55

Example Sentences

There are the round bellies of soft-shell clams — the restaurant has always called these “soft clam bellies,” but almost everybody else in the Northeast knows them as steamers — in an intoxicatingly fragrant stew enriched by miso.

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Both the Little Neck and the paper shell clams are very good served as a Curry; only the body part of the soft clam should be used, as the remainder is somewhat tough.

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For an appetizer, the soft clam pan roast is hard to beat; it is best followed by tasty mignons of tenderloin flared in bourbon or stuffed broiled lobster and wilted dandelion greens with bacon.

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A little fountain of water announces the abode of the soft clam.

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The soft clam is long and thin, instead of being almost round, like a hard clam.

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