MUSSEL

mussel

(noun) marine or freshwater bivalve mollusk that lives attached to rocks etc.

mussel

(noun) black marine bivalves usually steamed in wine

Source: WordNet® 3.1

Etymology

Noun

mussel (plural mussels)

Any of several groups of bivalve shellfish with elongated, asymmetrical shells

fresh water mussels, usually edible, of the order Unionida in subclass Palaeoheterodonta.

salt water mussels, usually edible, of the order Mytilida in subclass Pteriomorphia.

Certain other bivalves of somewhat similar appearance, such as the zebra mussel and quagga mussel of the family Dreissenidae in subclass Heterodonta.

Source: Wiktionary

Mus"sel, n. Etym: [See Muscle, 3.]

1. (Zoöl.)

Definition: Any one of many species of marine bivalve shells of the genus Mytilus, and related genera, of the family Mytidæ. The common mussel (Mytilus edulis; see Illust. under Byssus), and the larger, or horse, mussel (Modiola modiolus), inhabiting the shores both of Europe and America, are edible. The former is extensively used as food in Europe.

2. (Zoöl.)

Definition: Any one of numerous species of Unio, and related fresh-water genera; -- called also river mussel. See Naiad, and Unio. Mussel digger (Zoöl.), the grayback whale. See Gray whale, under Gray.

Source: Webster’s Unabridged Dictionary 1913 Edition