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Littleneck Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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littleneck

[หˆlษชtยทnษ›k ]

Definition

Context #1 | Noun

seafood dish

A littleneck clam is a small clam, typically used in seafood dishes. It is known for its tender texture and sweet flavor. Littleneck clams are often steamed or grilled and served with butter and herbs.

Synonyms

cherrystone clam, quahog clam, small clam.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
littleneck

This term is commonly used in gourmet cooking and restaurants to refer to small, tender clams often used in dishes like pasta and seafood soups.

  • The chef prepared a delightful linguine with littleneck clams and white wine sauce.
  • For the appetizer, we enjoyed a dozen steamed littlenecks with garlic butter.
small clam

This generic term can refer to any small-sized clam without specifying the type. It's used commonly in everyday language when the exact type of clam is not important to the conversation.

  • She collected a bunch of small clams during her beach walk.
  • The seafood stew was loaded with shrimp, mussels, and small clams.
cherrystone clam

This term refers to a type of quahog clam that is slightly larger than littleneck clams. It's often favored for its meatiness and is used in both raw and cooked applications.

  • The raw bar featured a selection of cherrystone clams served with a tangy mignonette sauce.
  • For the clam bake, they used a mixture of littlenecks and cherrystones.
quahog clam

A broader term used to describe hard clams in general, particularly in the Northeastern United States. It can refer to clams of various sizes, from littlenecks to chowders.

  • The local fisherman boasted about his daily catch, which included dozens of quahog clams.
  • New England clam chowder is traditionally made with large quahog clams.

Examples of usage

  • Littleneck clams are a popular choice for pasta dishes.
  • I ordered a bowl of littleneck clam chowder.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Culinary Uses

  • These clams are popular in seafood dishes and can be served raw on the half shell, steamed, or baked.
  • They are often featured in clam chowder as they add a sweet flavor to the soup.

Geography

  • Littleneck clams are commonly harvested along the Atlantic coast of the United States, especially in areas like New Jersey and Cape Cod.
  • They are typically found in sandy or muddy tidal flats, where they dig into the substrate to avoid predators.

Ecology

  • As filter feeders, littleneck clams play a crucial role in their ecosystem by helping to clean the water.
  • Their presence is a sign of a healthy marine environment, as they thrive in clean, nutrient-rich habitats.

Health Benefits

  • Littleneck clams are low in calories and high in protein, making them a healthy seafood choice.
  • They are rich in essential vitamins and minerals like vitamin B12, iron, and omega-3 fatty acids, which are beneficial for heart health.

Origin of 'littleneck'

Main points about word origin

  • The name 'littleneck' comes from the size of the clam, as 'little' suggests its smallness.
  • The term 'neck' refers to the neck-like shape of the shell's opening.

The term 'littleneck' originated in New England, where it is used to refer to a small clam. The word is a combination of 'little' and 'neck', referring to the size and shape of the clam. Littleneck clams have been a staple in New England cuisine for centuries, prized for their delicate flavor and versatility in cooking.

See also: belittle, littleness.