littleneck

[ lit-l-nek ]

noun

1. the quahog clam, Venus mercenaria, when young and small.

Word History and Origins

Origin of littleneck¹

1850–55, Americanism; named after Little Neck Bay, N.Y., where it was once plentiful

Example Sentences

Over the years sand should filter through its holes and extend the shallow, gently sloping habitat favorable to native littleneck clams.

From Seattle Times

It’s a beautiful property surrounded by beaches where he learned to fish for cutthroat trout and dig for cockles and littleneck and butter clams.

From Seattle Times

Many different clams can be harvested, such as the Manila, butter and littleneck clams.

From Seattle Times

In just a few decades, the garden could be home to many native butter and littleneck clams.

From Seattle Times

Clam gardens grow four times more butter clams and twice as many littleneck clams as unterraced beaches do, according to a study of dozens of ancient clam gardens around Quadra Island, British Columbia.

From Seattle Times

Related Words

• mollusk