noun

mussel

MUS-ul/ˈmʌsl/

A shellfish with a dark, elongated shell in two hinged halves.

The open mussel reveals its flesh inside the dark shell.

Three dark blue-black elongated mussel shells, one open revealing pale orange flesh, on a small wet rock.

Etymology

The “little mouse” image referred to a perceived likeness in size and shape. The same Latin word also supplied muscle, so these now-distinct English words share an ancestor.

In context

Natural World Facts12:27

These areas of high nutrient production due to the presence of mineral-rich fluids. Here, massive mussel beds cover the rocks, providing an extensive reef on which many other organisms rely.

The Alien World of Deep Sea Molluscs

More examples

The mussel’s dark shell opened slightly.
She examined both halves of the mussel shell.
Clusters of mussels covered the pier.

Forms

mussel · mussels

Similar words

clam: A clam is another two-shelled mollusk, often rounder and buried in sediment; mussels commonly attach to surfaces.
oyster: An oyster typically has a rough, irregular shell; a mussel has a more elongated shell.