bivalve

[ bahy-valv ]

noun

1. Also called lamellibranch. Zoology. any mollusk, as the oyster, clam, scallop, or mussel, of the class Bivalvia, having two shells hinged together, a soft body, and lamellate gills.

adjective

1. Botany. having two valves, as a seedcase.
2. Zoology. having two shells, usually united by a hinge.
3. having two similar parts hinged together.

bivalve

/ ˈbaɪˌvælv /

noun

1. Alsopelecypodlamellibranch any marine or freshwater mollusc of the class Pelecypoda (formerly Bivalvia or Lamellibranchia ), having a laterally compressed body, a shell consisting of two hinged valves, and gills for respiration. The group includes clams, cockles, oysters, and mussels

adjective

1. Alsopelecypodlamellibranch of, relating to, or belonging to the Pelecypoda
2. Alsobivalvatebaɪˈvælveɪt biology having or consisting of two valves or similar parts

   a bivalve seed capsule

bivalve

/ bī′vălv′ /

1. Any of various mollusks of the class Bivalvia, having a shell consisting of two halves hinged together. Clams, oysters, scallops, and mussels are bivalves. The class Bivalvia is also called Pelecypoda, and was formerly called Lamellibranchia.
2. Compare univalve

Derived Forms

• biˈvalvular, adjective

Other Words From

• bi·val·vu·lar [bahy-, val, -vy, uh, -ler], adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of bivalve¹

First recorded in 1670–80; bi- ¹ + valve

Example Sentences

Native to rivers and creeks in China and Southeast Asia, the bivalves have appeared in waterways elsewhere in Asia as well as South American countries, including Brazil, Argentina, Uruguay and Paraguay.

From Los Angeles Times

Golden mussels, invasive freshwater bivalves that have devastated ecosystems and critical water infrastructure in other parts of the world, were recently discovered near the Port of Stockton.

From Los Angeles Times

Lucinids are marine bivalves that inhabit both the Caribbean and Pacific waters surrounding the Isthmus of Panama.

From Science Daily

This revealed a number of specimens including bones from ichthyosaurs and plesiosaurs and other ancient sea creatures including ammonites and bivalves, marine crocodiles and sharks.

From Science Daily

As the bivalves feed on organic matter and filter the water around them, their inner tissues and hard shells begin to reflect whatever is in their environment -- including radioactive particles.

From Science Daily