bivalve

adjective

bi·valve | \ ˈbī-ˌvalv

Definition of bivalve

(Entry 1 of 2)

: being or having a shell composed of two valves

bivalve

noun

Definition of bivalve (Entry 2 of 2)

: any of a class (Bivalvia synonym Pelecypoda) of typically marine mollusks (such as clams, oysters, or scallops) that have a 2-valved hinged shell, are usually filter feeders, and lack a distinct head

Examples of bivalve in a Sentence

Noun

clams, mussels, oysters, and other bivalves

Recent Examples on the Web: Adjective

Deep-sea wood borers (Xylophaga, a genus of bivalve mollusks) take over where shallow water gribbles and shipworms left off. — Brian Payton, Smithsonian, "How Driftwood Reshapes Ecosystems," 9 Feb. 2018 In 2005, the oyster as aphrodisiac got a big boost as many consumer publications reported that bivalve mollusks (which include clams, oysters, mussels and scallops) had been found to have desire-inducing properties. — Alicia Ault, Smithsonian, "Are Oysters an Aphrodisiac?," 13 Feb. 2017 While the lyric connotes cozy relations between the famously fertile shellfish of this bivalve capital, feelings among shellfishermen themselves are decidedly less friendly. — Corey Kilgannon, New York Times, "Claims Over Shellfish Fuel a Battle in the Bay," 30 June 2017 In 2005, the oyster as aphrodisiac got a big boost as many consumer publications reported that bivalve mollusks (which include clams, oysters, mussels and scallops) had been found to have desire-inducing properties. — Alicia Ault, Smithsonian, "Are Oysters an Aphrodisiac?," 13 Feb. 2017

Recent Examples on the Web: Noun

And while there is some silt on the reef — which can be a smothering hazard for oysters — the bivalves are in some places growing vertically, above the silt. — Scott Dance, baltimoresun.com, "Man-made oyster reef near Key Bridge 'flourishing,' Chesapeake Bay Foundation says," 28 June 2018 The foods richest in these include bivalves such as clams, mussels and oysters; leafy greens such as kale and spinach; wild salmon; organ meats; nuts; beans and seeds. — Kathleen Squires, WSJ, "Feed Your Head: Foods That Target Depression and Anxiety," 26 July 2018 Here, a few farmers share their experiences raising oysters—and of course, their expert tips on how to shuck and serve the perfect briny bivalve. — Todd Plummer, Vogue, "How to Find and Serve a Perfect Oyster, According to the New Englanders Who Know Best," 18 July 2018 While Wellfleets from Cape Cod and Kumamatos from Washington's Willapa Bay are some of the most prized varieties of oyster, there's a region that's on the brink of mastering the bivalves: the American Southeast. — Sam Dangremond, Town & Country, "Is the Southeastern U.S. the Hottest New Region for Oysters?," 29 Jan. 2016 But in both cases (with bivalves and great-grandmothers alike), better late than never, right? — Elizabeth Gilbert, Good Housekeeping, "Cook's Heaven," 6 Mar. 2012 If dad loves oysters, then a gift of the briny bivalves would really surprise him on Father’s Day. — Ann Trieger Kurland, BostonGlobe.com, "Aw, shucks! Give dad the gift of oysters," 4 June 2018 But less welcome critters soon followed: sea lampreys, alewives, spiny water fleas, and the poster bivalves for ecological trouble, zebra and quagga mussels. — Jim Higgins, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, "Milwaukee loves its rivers and Lake Michigan — and keeps abusing them, too," 3 July 2018 Also, on Saturday afternoon, one lucky bivalve will be chosen as the largest oyster at the fest. — Ann Maloney, NOLA.com, "New Orleans Oyster Festival dishes dozens of bivalve bites," 29 May 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'bivalve.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.