1. (zoology) used of mollusks having two shells (as clams etc.)
   "Oysters are bivalve mollusks prized for their flavour";
   - bivalved

1. Marine or freshwater mollusks having a soft body with platelike gills enclosed within two shells hinged together
   "Clams and mussels are common examples of bivalves";
   - pelecypod, lamellibranch

Derived forms: bivalves

See also: lamellibranch, pelecypod, pelecypodous

Type of: mollusc, mollusk [N. Amer], shellfish

Antonym: univalve

Part of: Bivalvia, class Bivalvia, class Lamellibranchia, class Pelecypoda, Lamellibranchia

Encyclopedia: Bivalve, Maryland