butter clam

noun

1. a large edible clam, Saxidomus nuttalli, of the west coast of North America.

Word History and Origins

Origin of butter clam¹

First recorded in 1935–40

Example Sentences

It takes a butter clam about three years to grow to harvestable size, according to Western Washington University marine ecologist and Samish Nation member Marco Hatch.

From Seattle Times

“Everything was here in this little piece of heaven, there was no need, no wish to go anywhere else, unless there was a craving for a flounder or a nice fat butter clam,” King George said.

From Seattle Times

Raw geoduck, green strawberries and wood sorrel elevated this not-so-humble barley porridge, cooked in a milky broth laced with butter, clam juice, shiso and white soy dashi.

From Seattle Times

Notes • The clam and oyster gathering season at Hope Island State Park has been delayed until May 1 after a state Fish and Wildlife survey found a decline in the butter clam population.

From Seattle Times