Tridacna

[ trih-dak-nuh ]

/ trɪˈdæk nə /

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noun

a genus of giant clams inhabiting reefs in the South Pacific, attaining a diameter of 4 feet (1.2 meters) or more, and weighing over 500 pounds (227 kilograms).

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Origin of Tridacna

First recorded in 1770–80; from New Latin, noun use of feminine of Latin tridacnus “requiring three bites,” from Greek trídaknos , equivalent to tri- “three” + dákn(ein) “to bite” + -os adjective suffix; see tri-

Words nearby Tridacna

tricuspid valve, tricyanic acid, tricycle, tricyclic, trid., Tridacna, tridactyl, tridarn cupboard, trident, tridentate, Tridentine

How to use Tridacna in a sentence

A tridacna spread its jaws before his steps so that he nearly plunged into the deadly springtrap of the deep.
Where the Pavement Ends|John Russell
The Linnan genus Chama, included the beautiful shells now called Tridacna.
A Conchological Manual|George Brettingham Sowerby
The Chama (Tridacna) gigas, when at its full age and development, is the largest shell known.
A Conchological Manual|George Brettingham Sowerby
Mr. Albany Hancock found twelve species of Clione on a single Tridacna.
Animal Parasites and Messmates|P. J. Van Beneden

I did not know the name at the time, but I afterwards learned that it must have been a specimen of the Tridacna gigas.
In the Eastern Seas|W.H.G. Kingston