mussel

Any of various marine bivalve mollusks that attach to hard surfaces in intertidal areas with byssal threads, especially the edible members of the family Mytilidae and in particular Mytilus edulis, a blue-black species of the North Atlantic Ocean, raised commercially for food.

Any of numerous freshwater bivalve mollusks of the order Unionoida that burrow in the sand or mud of rivers, streams, and ponds.

Any of several similar bivalve mollusks, such as the zebra mussel.

Any one of many bivalve mollusks of various genera and species.

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.

Any one of numerous species of Unio, and related fresh-water genera; — called also river mussel. See Naiad, and Unio.

the grayback whale. See Gray whale, under Gray.

A small edible bivalve shellfish of the families Unionidae (fresh water mussels) and Mytilidae (salt water mussels).

black marine bivalves usually steamed in wine

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