mussel

noun

mus·​sel ˈmə-səl How to pronounce mussel (audio)
1
: a marine bivalve mollusk (especially genus Mytilus) usually having a dark elongated shell
2
: a freshwater bivalve mollusk (as of Unio, Anodonta, or related genera) that is especially abundant in rivers of the central U.S. and has a shell lined with mother-of-pearl

Examples of mussel in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web The sensors’ precision, however, is rivaled by the oysters, clams, and mussels themselves, which are both more sensitive and much longer-lasting than traditional technology for sampling contaminants in water. John Koetsier, Forbes, 29 Feb. 2024 According to Echeverria, lobsters, crabs, oysters, clams, and mussels can all be safely cooked in a slow cooker. Tamara Gane, Southern Living, 12 Feb. 2024 Some fish like cod are moving northward and into deeper waters in response to warmer oceans, and other species like lobster, oysters, clams and mussels are at risk of population decline. Olivia Ferrari, Smithsonian Magazine, 5 Feb. 2024 Due to the city’s status as a UPS hub, ultra-fresh oysters, mussels, lobster and a wealth of other marine proteins arrive on the daily—and to discover the city’s seafood prowess firsthand, River House is a top spot. Jared Ranahan, Forbes, 26 Feb. 2024 This classic San Francisco dish pops up on Odd Duck’s menu from time to time and comes loaded with a seafood medley of scallops, mussels, shrimp and mahi mahi. Rachel Bernhard, Journal Sentinel, 26 Feb. 2024 The menu includes mussels, escargots, duck confit and roasted rack of lamb and the backdrop includes much by which to be entertained. Amanda Hancock, The Courier-Journal, 23 Feb. 2024 For example, Voodoo in Meridian won’t sell mussels, like the Boise location does. Michael Deeds, Idaho Statesman, 13 Feb. 2024 In 2007, an international team of researchers found shells of mussels, abalone and other invertebrates in a cave on the southern coast of South Africa, perhaps harvested during famines in that harsh environment. Cody Cottier, Discover Magazine, 6 Feb. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'mussel.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

Middle English muscle, from Old English muscelle, from Vulgar Latin *muscula, from Latin musculus muscle, mussel

First Known Use

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of mussel was before the 12th century

Dictionary Entries Near mussel

Cite this Entry

“Mussel.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/mussel. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

mussel

noun
mus·​sel ˈməs-əl How to pronounce mussel (audio)
1
: any of various edible saltwater mollusks with a long dark hinged double shell
2
: any of numerous freshwater mollusks of rivers of the central U.S. whose hinged double shells are lined with mother-of-pearl

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