mussel

2 definitions found

mussel - Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48 :

  Mussel \Mus"sel\, n. [See Muscle, 3.]
     1. (Zool.) Any one of many species of marine bivalve shells
        of the genus Mytilus, and related genera, of the family
        Mytidae. 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.
        [1913 Webster]
  
     2. (Zool.) Any one of numerous species of Unio, and related
        fresh-water genera; -- called also river mussel. See
        Naiad, and Unio.
        [1913 Webster]
  
     Mussel digger (Zool.), the grayback whale. See Gray  whale
        , under Gray.
        [1913 Webster]

mussel - WordNet (r) 2.1 (2005) :

  mussel
      n 1: black marine bivalves usually steamed in wine
      2: marine or freshwater bivalve mollusk that lives attached to
         rocks etc.