univalve

[ yoo-nuh-valv ]

adjective

1. having one valve.
2. (of a shell) composed of a single valve or piece.

noun

1. a univalve mollusk or its shell.

univalve

/ ˈjuːnɪˌvælv /

adjective

1. relating to, designating, or possessing a mollusc shell that consists of a single piece (valve)

noun

1. a gastropod mollusc or its shell

univalve

/ yo̅o̅′nĭ-vălv′ /

1. A gastropod, especially one with a single shell, such as a snail, cone, whelk, abalone, or limpet. Univalves belong to the subclass Prosobranchia. Their shells are usually spiral and can hold the whole animal inside.
2. Compare bivalve

Word History and Origins

Origin of univalve¹

First recorded in 1655–65; uni- + valve

Example Sentences

Some of these are most vivid in their shapes and ray-like markings, particularly the univalve shells.

From Project Gutenberg

E is Spirorbis, a minute form with a coiled tube, which looks at first sight like a small univalve shell.

From Project Gutenberg

The snail proper bears a typical univalve shell: though in its relatives (the slugs), the shell is more or less suppressed.

From Project Gutenberg

The lid is not, however, like the tongue-ribbon, an essential feature of the structure of every univalve mollusc.

From Project Gutenberg

The anterior of a spiral univalve is that part of the outer lip which is at the greatest distance from the apex.

From Project Gutenberg