pelecypoda

2 definitions found

pelecypoda - Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48 :

  Pelecypoda \Pel`e*cyp"o*da\, n. pl. [NL., fr. Gr. pe`lekys a
     hatchet + -poda.] (Zool.)
     Same as Lamellibranchia.
     [1913 Webster]

  Lamellibranchia \La*mel`li*bran"chi*a\, Lamellibranchiata
  \La*mel`li*bran`chi*a"ta\, n. pl. [NL. See lamella, and
     Branchia, Branchiate.] (Zool.)
     An earlier name for the class of Mollusca including all those
     that have bivalve shells, as the clams, oysters, mussels,
     etc., now called Pelecypoda or Bivalvia.
     [1913 Webster +PJC]
  
     Note: They usually have two (rarely but one) flat,
           lamelliform gills on each side of the body. They have
           an imperfectly developed head, concealed within the
           shell, whence they are called {Acephala}. Called also
           Conchifera, and Pelecypoda. See Bivalve.
           [1913 Webster]