B2 noun Neutral

bivalve

/ˈbaɪvælv/

A bivalve is an aquatic mollusk with a body enclosed within a hinged shell that consists of two distinct parts. This group includes well-known creatures like clams, oysters, mussels, and scallops, which are often harvested for food or studied for their environmental impact.

Examples

3 of 5
1

I ordered a plate of bivalves at the seafood restaurant, specifically the steamed mussels.

I ordered a plate of bivalves at the seafood restaurant, specifically the steamed mussels.

2

The environmental agency reported a significant decline in the local bivalve population due to rising ocean acidity.

The environmental agency reported a significant decline in the local bivalve population due to rising ocean acidity.

3

Do you think these bivalves are still fresh, or should we just toss them?

Do you think these bivalves are still fresh, or should we just toss them?

Word Family

Noun
bivalve
Adjective
bivalvular
Related
bivalvia
💡

Memory Tip

Think of the prefix 'bi-' meaning two (like bicycle) and 'valve' as a folding door; it is a creature with two 'doors' or shells.

Quick Quiz

The marine biologist explained that the _______ uses its hinged shell for protection against predators.

Correct!

The correct answer is: bivalve

Examples

1

I ordered a plate of bivalves at the seafood restaurant, specifically the steamed mussels.

everyday

I ordered a plate of bivalves at the seafood restaurant, specifically the steamed mussels.

2

The environmental agency reported a significant decline in the local bivalve population due to rising ocean acidity.

formal

The environmental agency reported a significant decline in the local bivalve population due to rising ocean acidity.

3

Do you think these bivalves are still fresh, or should we just toss them?

informal

Do you think these bivalves are still fresh, or should we just toss them?

4

Bivalves play a crucial role in aquatic ecosystems by filtering plankton and organic particles from the water column.

academic

Bivalves play a crucial role in aquatic ecosystems by filtering plankton and organic particles from the water column.

5

The aquaculture sector has seen a 10% increase in the export of bivalve mollusks this quarter.

business

The aquaculture sector has seen a 10% increase in the export of bivalve mollusks this quarter.

Word Family

Noun
bivalve
Adjective
bivalvular
Related
bivalvia

Common Collocations

fresh bivalves fresh bivalves
edible bivalves edible bivalves
bivalve shell bivalve shell
marine bivalves marine bivalves
filter-feeding bivalves filter-feeding bivalves

Common Phrases

bivalve mollusk

bivalve mollusk

bivalve larvae

bivalve larvae

hinged bivalve

hinged bivalve

Often Confused With

bivalve vs univalve

A univalve has a single-piece shell (like a snail), whereas a bivalve has a two-part hinged shell.

bivalve vs crustacean

Crustaceans like crabs have jointed legs and an exoskeleton, while bivalves are soft-bodied mollusks inside shells.

📝

Usage Notes

The term is primarily used in scientific, environmental, or culinary contexts. While 'shellfish' is a more common general term, 'bivalve' specifically excludes crustaceans and single-shelled mollusks.

⚠️

Common Mistakes

Learners often use 'bivalve' to refer to any sea creature with a shell, including snails (univalves) or crabs (crustaceans).

💡

Memory Tip

Think of the prefix 'bi-' meaning two (like bicycle) and 'valve' as a folding door; it is a creature with two 'doors' or shells.

📖

Word Origin

Derived from the Latin 'bis' (twice) and 'valva' (leaf of a folding door).

Grammar Patterns

Countable noun Often used as an attributive noun (e.g., bivalve species) Plural: bivalves
🌍

Cultural Context

Bivalves like oysters and mussels are significant in coastal cuisines worldwide and are also culturally important for their role in producing pearls.

Quick Quiz

The marine biologist explained that the _______ uses its hinged shell for protection against predators.

Correct!

The correct answer is: bivalve

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