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Webster 1913 Edition


Bivalve

Bi′valve

,
Noun.
[F.
bivalve
;
bi-
(L.
bis
) +
valve
valve.]
1.
(Zool.)
A mollusk having a shell consisting of two lateral plates or valves joined together by an elastic ligament at the hinge, which is usually strengthened by prominences called teeth. The shell is closed by the contraction of two transverse muscles attached to the inner surface, as in the clam, – or by one, as in the oyster. See Mollusca.
2.
(Bot.)
A pericarp in which the seed case opens or splits into two parts or valves.

Bi′valve

,
Adj.
[Pref.
bi-
+
valve
.]
(Zool. & Bot.)
Having two shells or valves which open and shut, as the oyster and certain seed vessels.

Webster 1828 Edition


Bivalve

BI'VALVE

,
Noun.
[L. bis, twice, and valve. L. valva]
An animal having two valves, or a shell consisting of two parts which open and shut. Also a pericarp in which the seed-case opens or splits into two parts.

BI'VALVE


Definition 2024


bivalve

bivalve

English

Noun

bivalve (plural bivalves)

  1. Any mollusc belonging to the taxonomic class Bivalvia, characterized by a shell consisting of two hinged sections, such as a scallop, clam, mussel or oyster.
  2. (botany) A pericarp in which the seed case opens or splits into two parts or valves.

Coordinate terms

Related terms

Translations


French

Noun

bivalve m (plural bivalves)

  1. bivalve

Italian

Noun

bivalve m (plural bivalvi)

  1. bivalve

Portuguese

Alternative forms

Noun

bivalve m (plural bivalves)

  1. bivalve (any mollusc in the class Bivalvia)