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pholas

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pho·​las | \ ˈfōləs \

Definition of pholas

1 capitalized : a large genus of bivalve usually marine mollusks (family Pholadidae) with an elongate-oval rough shell having no hinge ligament, gaping at the end, and having two accessory valves to protect the dorsal margin that with the foot serves as a rasp to bore in wood and stone
2 plural pholades\ -​ləˌdēz \ : any mollusk of the genus Pholas or of the family Pholadidae : piddock

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History and Etymology for pholas

New Latin, from Greek phōlas stone-boring mollusk, literally, lying in a hole; akin to Greek phylē tribe, clan

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“Pholas.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/pholas. Accessed 5 Mar. 2021.

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