equivalve

[ ee-kwuh-valv ]

adjective

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of equivalve¹

First recorded in 1860–65; equi- + valve

Example Sentences

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

From Project Gutenberg

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

From Project Gutenberg

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

From Project Gutenberg

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

From Project Gutenberg