bivalve
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 5I 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.
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.
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?
Synonyms
Antonyms
Word Family
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
I ordered a plate of bivalves at the seafood restaurant, specifically the steamed mussels.
everydayI ordered a plate of bivalves at the seafood restaurant, specifically the steamed mussels.
The environmental agency reported a significant decline in the local bivalve population due to rising ocean acidity.
formalThe environmental agency reported a significant decline in the local bivalve population due to rising ocean acidity.
Do you think these bivalves are still fresh, or should we just toss them?
informalDo you think these bivalves are still fresh, or should we just toss them?
Bivalves play a crucial role in aquatic ecosystems by filtering plankton and organic particles from the water column.
academicBivalves play a crucial role in aquatic ecosystems by filtering plankton and organic particles from the water column.
The aquaculture sector has seen a 10% increase in the export of bivalve mollusks this quarter.
businessThe aquaculture sector has seen a 10% increase in the export of bivalve mollusks this quarter.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Word Family
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
bivalve mollusk
bivalve mollusk
bivalve larvae
bivalve larvae
hinged bivalve
hinged bivalve
Often Confused With
A univalve has a single-piece shell (like a snail), whereas a bivalve has a two-part hinged shell.
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
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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