Mytilus
/ˈmɪtɪləs/ /mɪt(ə)ləs/Zoology
noun
A genus of bivalve molluscs originally of wide extent but now comprising a group of related species in the marine family Mytilidae, including the common edible mussel (Mytilus edulis).
- Valid publication (in form Mytilus): Linnaeus Systema Naturae (ed. 10, 1758) I. 704..
Origin
Early 18th century; earliest use found in James Petiver (c1665–1718), botanist and entomologist. From post-classical Latin mytilus, variant of classical Latin mītulus (also Hellenistic Greek μίτλος in Athenaeus as a transliteration of the Latin word) sea mussel; further etymology uncertain.