1. Voracious aquatic turtle with a flat flexible shell covered by a leathery skin; can inflict painful bites
   "The softshell turtle's unique appearance and aggressive nature make it a distinctive species in freshwater habitats";
   - soft-shelled turtle, softshell turtle
    
2. An edible clam with thin oval-shaped shell found in coastal regions of the United States and Europe
   "They gathered softshells for a traditional New England clambake";
   - soft-shell clam, steamer [N. Amer], steamer clam, long-neck clam, Mya arenaria, softshell clam
    
3. A type of lightweight, flexible outerwear designed to protect against wind and light rain
   "He packed a softshell for the hiking trip";
   - softshell jacket

1. Having a soft or flexible shell
   "The softshell crab is a culinary delicacy";
   - soft-shelled

Derived forms: softshells

Type of: clam, turtle

Part of: family Trionychidae, genus Mya, Mya, Trionychidae

Encyclopedia: Softshell