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Glite Dictionary
pelecypodous

pelecypodous

9.9
Relating to animals that have two shells, like clams or oysters
  • adjective
  • /ˌpɛlɪˈsɪpədəs/
  • Archaic
translation icon : pelecipodoso
  • Many fossils display pelecypodous shells, indicating they belonged to ancient bivalves.

Examples

  • The pelecypodous structure of the clam distinguishes it from other mollusks.

  • The pelecypodous species are often found in marine environments.

  • Scientists examined the pelecypodous fauna found within the riverbed sediment.

  • Many pelecypodous animals have two shells.

  • The pelecypodous shells of the oyster provide excellent protection from predators.

  • Researchers discovered a variety of pelecypodous species along the coast during their survey.

  • A pelecypodous mollusk can often be identified by its two-part shell, which is characteristic of clams and mussels.

Synonyms

bivalved
vspelecypodous
7.7

Having a shell made of two parts joined by a hinge like a clam or oyster

relates to animals with two shells rather than only describing shell structure

Surface Forms

pelecypodous positive

Morphology

pelecypodous = pelecypod (opaque) = pelecypod + ous

Although the suffix '-ous' regularly forms adjectives meaning 'relating to', the base 'pelecypod' is a rare technical term (Greek combining form) unfamiliar to most learners, so the overall meaning cannot be derived by an average B1 learner.

Etymology

Pelecypodous comes from Greek parts pelekys ('axe') and pous ('foot'), because the soft foot of these shell animals looked a little like an axe. So, pelecypodous means relating to two-shell animals like clams, oysters and mussels.