inequivalve

[ in-ee-kwuh-valv ]

adjective

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of inequivalve¹

First recorded in 1770–80; in- ³ + equi- + valve

Example Sentences

The Anatinidæ have thin, often inequivalve pearly shells.

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

For instance, Professor Hutton describes a certain shell as "thick, irregular, sharp ribbed, with the margin dentated or lobed, very inequivalve; upper valve opercular, compressed, wrinkled, with thick concentric laminae; lower valve cucullated, purple, white within, edged with purple or black; lateral margins denticulated; hinge generally attenuated, produced, pointed."

From Project Gutenberg