zebra mussel
1
7.5
- noun
- /ˈziːbrə ˈmʌsəl/
:
mejillón cebra
- The bioaccumulation of these chemicals, however, has been aggravated by the introduction of zebra mussels and reductions in alewife populations.
- introduction of the zebra mussel
- zebra mussel (Dreissena polymorpha)
Examples
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The zebra mussel, an invasive species, has caused significant economic damage by clogging water pipes.
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The sponge has become abundant in some areas, while the zebra mussel population has fallen by up to 40 percent, although it is not yet clear whether the sponges will be effective in controlling the invasive mussels in the long term.
Academic text (2004) -
The recent introduction of the zebra mussel was a predictable invasion of the Great Lakes.
Academic text (1994) -
The introduction and spread of the exotic zebra mussel (Roberts 1990) is a new challenge.
Academic text (1992) -
"Whether they become established as a population in these new spots, only time will tell." If so, the zebra mussel will only have sped up what appears to be its inevitable push into North American waterways.
Academic text (1993) -
But experiences with zebra mussels, gypsy moths, killer bees, and kudzu lead many to wonder if introductions are worth the risks.
Academic text (1992) -
In November 1990, the US Congress passed the Nonindigenous Aquatic Nuisance Species Act, known generally as the ballast water or the zebra mussel legislation.
Academic text (1994) -
The Yahara lakes are vulnerable to many of the species that have successfully invaded the Great Lakes, including the zebra mussel (Dreissena polymorpha).
Academic text (2007) -
However, powerful nations did not begin to call for a halt to the game until the past decade, when European zebra mussels showed up in the Great Lakes and toxic red tide dinoflagellates from Japan invaded Tasmanian waters.
Academic text (1996) -
In 1990, a new measure, the Non-Indigenous Aquatic Nuisance Prevention and Control Act, was enacted in response to the accidental introduction of the zebra mussel into the Great Lakes region.
Academic text (1995)
Synonyms
A small freshwater mussel called the zebra mussel that clogs pipes and harms native water animals
Surface Forms
Morphology
This is a straightforward noun–noun compound where 'zebra' specifies a kind of 'mussel', so a learner who knows both words will readily infer it is a mussel with zebra-like (striped) markings and therefore a kind of bivalve. Details about its invasive freshwater status or economic/environmental impact are encyclopedic facts not predictable from the parts, but the core referential meaning is fully compositional and cross-linguistically transparent.
Etymology
Zebra mussel gets its name from a small freshwater mussel whose black-and-white striped shell looks like a zebra. Because these mussels spread into new waters and grow in huge numbers, they 'clog' pipes and harm local water life, so today the name means this damaging, spreading shellfish.