lamellibranch

noun

la·​mel·​li·​branch lə-ˈme-lə-ˌbraŋk How to pronounce lamellibranch (audio)
plural lamellibranchs
: any of a class (Lamellibranchia) of bivalve mollusks (such as clams, oysters, and mussels) that have the body bilaterally symmetrical, compressed, and enclosed within the mantle and that build up a shell whose right and left parts are connected by a hinge over the animal's back
lamellibranch adjective

Word History

Etymology

New Latin Lamellibranchia, from lamella + Latin branchia gill

First Known Use

1855, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of lamellibranch was in 1855

Dictionary Entries Near lamellibranch

Cite this Entry

“Lamellibranch.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/lamellibranch. Accessed 28 Mar. 2024.

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