pelecypod

[ puh-les-uh-pod ]

noun

1. any mollusk of the class Pelecypoda (Lamellibranchiata), characterized by a bivalve shell enclosing the headless body and lamellate gills, comprising the oysters, clams, mussels, and scallops.

adjective

1. Also pel·e·cyp·o·dous [] belonging or pertaining to the Pelecypoda.

pelecypod

/ pɪˈlɛsɪˌpɒd /

noun

1. another word for bivalve bivalve

Word History and Origins

Origin of pelecypod¹

1855–60; < New Latin Pelecypoda < Greek péleky ( s ) hatchet + New Latin -poda; -pod

Word History and Origins

Origin of pelecypod¹

C19: from Greek pelekus hatchet + -pod

Example Sentences

Polyzoa were abundant; brachiopods were fairly common, though subordinate to the pelecypods; they were mostly rhynchonellids and terebratulids, which lived side by side with the ancient forms, like Crania and Discina.

From Project Gutenberg

This form, or a modification of it, we find to be characteristic of all pelecypods which are attached to a foreign object of support by the cementation of one valve.

From Project Gutenberg

The oyster may be taken as the type of the form adopted by attached pelecypods.

From Project Gutenberg

Another characteristic of attached pelecypods is camerated structure, which is most frequent and extensive in the thick attached valve.

From Project Gutenberg