释义 |
bi·valve I. adjective also bi·valved \(ˈ)bī+\ Etymology: bi- (I) + valve or valved 1. : having a shell composed of two usually movable valves that open and shut < bivalve oysters > < bivalve clams > 2. of a shell or capsule : having two valves < the bivalve wall of a diatom > 3. : consisting of two corresponding movable pieces suggesting the shells of mollusks < a bivalve speculum > II. noun (-s) : an animal with a 2-valved shell; especially : a mollusk of the class Lamellibranchia (as a clam, mussel, or oyster) — compare univalve III. transitive verb Etymology: bi- (I) + valve : to split (a cast) along one or two sides (as to renew surgical dressings or to restore circulation) |