Mussels are a kind of shellfish that you can eat from their shells.
mussel in British English
(ˈmʌsəl)
noun
1.
any of various marine bivalves of the genus Mytilus and related genera, esp M. edulis (edible mussel), having a dark slightly elongated shell and living attached to rocks, etc
2.
any of various freshwater bivalves of the genera Anodonta, Unio, etc, attached to rocks, sand, etc, having a flattened oval shell (a source of mother-of-pearl). The zebra mussel, Dreissena polymorpha, can be a serious nuisance in water mains
Word origin
Old English muscle, from Vulgar Latin muscula (unattested), from Latin musculus, diminutive of mūs mouse
mussel in American English
(ˈmʌsəl)
noun
any of various bivalve mollusks
; specif.,
a.
any of a sometimes edible saltwater family (Mytilidae) that anchors to rocks, ships, etc. by byssus threads
b.
any of a freshwater family (Unionidae) that is large-sized, may produce pearls, and is used to make buttons
Word origin
ME muscle < OE, akin to OHG muscula, both < VL *muscula, for L musculus, mussel, muscle
Tip in the mussels and clams and pour in the white wine.
Times, Sunday Times (2017)
Wash and scrub the clams and mussels.
Times, Sunday Times (2010)
Arrange prawns or washed mussels over the top with lemon quarters.
Times, Sunday Times (2013)
Add the mussels and season well with salt and pepper.
Times, Sunday Times (2014)
Shell the mussels and keep them hot in a bowl.
Conil, Jean & Conil, Christopher (ed) A Passion for Food (1989)
Now add the cleaned clams and mussels.
Times, Sunday Times (2014)
Add the mussels and put the lid on.
The Sun (2014)
Serve with some fresh parsley and the reserved mussels in their shells.
The Sun (2015)
Remove the cooled mussels from their shells.
Times, Sunday Times (2011)
Add the mussels and dressing and mix carefully.
Times, Sunday Times (2013)
Discard the thyme and garlic and any mussels or clam shells that are still closed.
Times, Sunday Times (2008)
Add the mussels and cover the pan.
Times, Sunday Times (2012)
Helped by the suckers on her tentacles she can easily prise open clams and mussels that would defeat most people.
Times, Sunday Times (2008)
The oysters, horse mussels and clams that used to carpet the seabed are gone.
Times, Sunday Times (2012)
When all the clams and mussels have opened up, detach their meat from the shells.
Times, Sunday Times (2010)
Tip in the prawns, mussels and clams and cover with a lid.
Times, Sunday Times (2008)
Its underside will become home to mussels and other shellfish, acting as a natural purification plant for the marine environment.
Times, Sunday Times (2008)
Alternatively, eat up the mussels and enjoy the broth with individual portions of blanched rice noodles tossed with a little sesame oil.
Times, Sunday Times (2009)
Simmer the clams, monkfish, mussels and prawns in the casserole for ten minutes.
Times, Sunday Times (2009)
He and his girlfriend enjoy oysters and mussels but recently there have been reports of health problems being suffered by French and British consumers.