scallop

¹scal·lop

noun \ˈskä-ləp, ˈska-, ˈskȯ-\

Definition of SCALLOP

1

a : any of numerous marine bivalve lamellibranch mollusks (family Pectinidae) that have a radially ribbed shell with the edge undulated and that swim by opening and closing the valves

b : the adductor muscle of a scallop as an article of food

2

a : a valve or shell of a scallop

b : a baking dish shaped like a valve of a scallop

3

: one of a continuous series of circle segments or angular projections forming a border (as on cloth or metal)

4

: pattypan

5

[French escalope, probably from Middle French, shell] : a thin slice of boneless meat or fish <veal scallops> —called also escalope

Variants of SCALLOP

scal·lop also scol·lop \ˈskä-, ˈskȯ-\

Illustration of SCALLOP

Origin of SCALLOP

Middle English scalop, from Anglo-French escalope shell, of Germanic origin; akin to Middle Dutch schelpe shell

First Known Use: 15th century

Other Invertebrates (Except Insects) Terms

anemone, cephalopod, quahog

Rhymes with SCALLOP

collop, dollop, lollop, polyp, trollop, wallop

²scallop

verb

Definition of SCALLOP

transitive verb

1

a : to shape, cut, or finish in scallops

b : to form scallops in

2

[from the use of a scallop shell as a baking dish] : to bake in a sauce usually covered with seasoned bread or cracker crumbs <scalloped potatoes>

intransitive verb

: to gather or dredge scallops

Variants of SCALLOP

scallop also scollop

First Known Use of SCALLOP

1682

Rhymes with SCALLOP

gallop, galop, jalap, salep, Salop, shallop

scallop

noun    (Concise Encyclopedia)

Any of more than 400 species (family Pectinidae) of marine bivalves found worldwide, from the intertidal zone to deep waters. The two halves of the shell (valves) are usually fan-shaped, except for a winglike projection at either side of the straight hinge. The shells are 1–6 in. (2.5–15 cm) long. They may be smooth or ribbed and red, purple, orange, yellow, or white. Cilia filter microscopic plants and animals from the water and move them toward the mouth. Scallops swim by clapping the valves, propelling themselves forward. The muscle that closes the valves is a popular food item.