zebra mussel

noun

: a chiefly freshwater Eurasian bivalve mollusk (Dreissena polymorpha) that was accidentally introduced into the Great Lakes and has spread to other waterways where it colonizes and clogs water intake pipes and competes with native fish for food

Examples of zebra mussel in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

After starting and leading three bio-ag companies and selling them to larger entities, including Bayer CropScience, Marrone’s latest venture focuses on six major invasive species groups, including zebra mussels and toxic algae, both of which damage our water ecosystems. —Maggie McGrath, Forbes.com, 30 July 2025

The threat of zebra mussels has always lurked over Colorado’s borders. —Elise Schmelzer, Denver Post, 20 July 2025

Recent follow-up water sampling detected zebra mussel larvae, called veligers, in Long Lake and DeMontreville and Olson Lakes, officials said. —Mary Divine, Twin Cities, 22 July 2025

Once established, experts said, zebra mussels are nearly impossible to eradicate. —Elise Schmelzer, Denver Post, 20 July 2025

Word History

Etymology

so named from a comparison of the irregular dark striping on the shell to a zebra's stripes

First Known Use

1866, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for zebra mussel

• bustle
• hustle
• muscle
• russel
• rustle
• trussell
• tussle
• mofussil