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Bivalves: meaning, definitions and examples

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bivalves

 

[ˈbaɪvælvz ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

seafood

Bivalves are a type of mollusk that have a shell consisting of two hinged parts, such as clams, oysters, and mussels.

Synonyms

clams, mollusks, shellfish.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
bivalves

Used in scientific or technical contexts to refer to a class of marine and freshwater mollusks with two hinged shells.

  • Bivalves are studied extensively in marine biology for their unique filtering systems
mollusks

Often used more broadly in scientific or technical contexts to refer to a large phylum of invertebrate animals that includes bivalves, snails, and octopuses.

  • Mollusks are known for their diverse range of habitats and forms
shellfish

Used in both culinary and casual contexts to refer to one of the major groups of seafood that includes both mollusks (e.g., clams, oysters) and crustaceans (e.g., shrimp, crabs).

  • She's allergic to shellfish, so we need to be careful about what we serve
clams

Commonly used in casual conversation and culinary contexts, particularly when referring to the preparation or consumption of these shellfish.

  • We had steamed clams for dinner last night

Examples of usage

  • Would you like to try some baked bivalves for dinner?
  • The restaurant specializes in fresh bivalves sourced from local waters.
Context #2 | Noun

biology

Bivalves are aquatic animals with two shells that are connected by a hinge, known for their filter-feeding abilities.

Synonyms

clams, mollusks, shellfish.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
bivalves

Used in scientific or formal contexts to refer to a group of aquatic animals that have a hinged shell.

  • Marine biologists study bivalves to understand their role in the ecosystem.
  • The shell of most bivalves is made of calcium carbonate.
mollusks

Typically used in scientific discourse to refer to a broad category of invertebrates that includes bivalves, snails, and cephalopods.

  • Mollusks are one of the most diverse groups of animals on Earth.
  • The study of mollusks can provide insight into evolutionary biology.
shellfish

Commonly used in culinary discussions to refer to edible aquatic animals that have a shell, including both bivalves and crustaceans.

  • Shellfish allergies can be very serious.
  • The restaurant specializes in fresh shellfish dishes.
clams

Commonly used in everyday language or culinary contexts to refer to certain types of edible bivalves.

  • We had a delicious clam chowder for dinner.
  • The beach is a great place to go clamming.

Examples of usage

  • These bivalves play a crucial role in filtering water and maintaining the ecosystem.
  • The scientist studied the anatomy of bivalves to understand their reproductive cycle.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

  • The word 'bivalve' comes from Latin, where 'bi-' means two and 'valva' means a door or a cover.
  • Bivalves belong to the class Bivalvia, which includes creatures like clams, oysters, and mussels.

Environmental Significance

  • Bivalves play an important role in water ecosystems by filtering out pollutants and improving water quality.
  • They provide habitats for other marine life, encouraging biodiversity in their environments.

Culinary Uses

  • Many bivalves, like mussels and clams, are popular in various cuisines around the world and are enjoyed cooked or raw.
  • Oysters are often eaten raw with lemon and hot sauce, and they are considered a delicacy in many cultures.

Cultural Significance

  • In some cultures, bivalves are considered symbols of prosperity and are featured in traditional dishes during celebrations.
  • Oyster shells have been used as tools and ornaments by indigenous peoples for thousands of years.

Fossil Record

  • Bivalves are one of the oldest groups of animals on Earth, with fossils dating back over 500 million years.
  • Their hard shells are often preserved in the fossil record, providing valuable information about ancient marine environments.

Translations

Translations of the word "bivalves" in other languages:

🇵🇹 bivalves

🇮🇳 द्विपत्री शंख

🇩🇪 Muscheln

🇮🇩 kerang

🇺🇦 двостулкові молюски

🇵🇱 małże

🇯🇵 二枚貝

🇫🇷 bivalves

🇪🇸 bivalvos

🇹🇷 çift kabuklu

🇰🇷 이매패류

🇸🇦 ثنائية الصدفة

🇨🇿 mlži

🇸🇰 dvojdyšníky

🇨🇳 双壳类

🇸🇮 dvoživke

🇮🇸 tvískeljar

🇰🇿 екі қабықты ұлулар

🇬🇪 ორარხიანი

🇦🇿 iki qabıqlı molyusklar

🇲🇽 bivalvos

Word Frequency Rank

At rank #25,684, this word represents specialized academic or technical vocabulary. It's less frequently encountered but may be valuable in specific contexts.