soft-shell clam

American  

noun

1. an edible clam, Mya arenaria, inhabiting waters along both coasts of North America, having an oval, relatively thin, whitish shell.

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soft-shell clam British  

noun

1. Sometimes shortened to: soft-shell.  any of several marine clams of the genus Mya , esp M. arenaria, an edible species of coastal regions of the US and Europe, having a thin brittle shell Compare quahog

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Etymology

Origin of soft-shell clam

An Americanism dating back to 1790–1800

Example Sentences

A good example, she said, was the soft-shell clam fishery, which has suffered millions of dollars in losses.

From Seattle Times • Jun. 27, 2022

But diners will get a soft-shell clam belly broil made with Ipswich clams, a popular menu item in its day.

From New York Times • Mar. 4, 2020

But soft-shell clam farming remains mostly uncharted territory, said Jeff Nichols, a spokesman for the Maine Department of Marine Resources.

From Seattle Times • Jun. 3, 2018

“This is a climate change story. The warming Gulf of Maine brings more crabs, and increasing crabs is what we think is playing a role in the diminishing soft-shell clam population,” Hagan said.

From Seattle Times • Jun. 3, 2018

There is the steamer clam, beloved son of New England, also known as the soft-shell clam.

From New York Times • Jul. 14, 2010