equivalve

American  

[ee-kwuh-valv] / ˈi kwəˌvælv /

adjective

1. (of a bivalve mollusk) having the valves of the shell equal in shape and size.

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Etymology

Origin of equivalve

First recorded in 1860–65; equi- + valve

Example Sentences

Shell transverse, equivalve, not affixed, the tops decorticated.

From Zoological Illustrations, Volume I or Original Figures and Descriptions of New, Rare, or Interesting Animals by Swainson, William

Shell longitudinal, wedge-shaped, equivalve, the valves gaping; the umbones straight, pointed.

From Zoological Illustrations, Volume III or Original Figures and Descriptions of New, Rare, or Interesting Animals by Swainson, William

Shell bivalve, equivalve, very transversely elongated, open at both ends.

From Zoological Illustrations, Volume I or Original Figures and Descriptions of New, Rare, or Interesting Animals by Swainson, William

A bivalve is said to be equivalve when the two shells composing it are of the same size, inequivalve when they are not.

From Sea-Weeds, Shells and Fossils by Gray, Peter