soft clam

American  

noun

1. soft-shell clam.

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soft clam British  

noun

1. another name for the soft-shell clam

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Etymology

Origin of soft clam

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.

From New York Times

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.

From Project Gutenberg

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.

From Time Magazine Archive

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

From Project Gutenberg

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

From Project Gutenberg