mussel

(mus′əl)

noun

any of various bivalve mollusks; specif.,

any of a sometimes edible saltwater family (Mytilidae) that anchors to rocks, ships, etc. by byssus threads
any of a freshwater family (Unionidae) that is large-sized, may produce pearls, and is used to make buttons

Origin: ME muscle < OE, akin to OHG muscula, both < VL *muscula, for L musculus, mussel, muscle

See mussel in American Heritage Dictionary 4

noun

Any of several marine bivalve mollusks, especially the edible members of the family Mytilidae and in particular Mytilus edulis, a blue-black species raised commercially in Europe. Mussels are often found attached to rocky surfaces or the sides of ships.
Any of several freshwater bivalve mollusks of the genera Anodonta and Unio, found in the central United States, that burrow in the sand or mud of lakes and streams.

Origin:

Origin: Alteration (possibly influenced by Dutch mossel)

Origin: of Middle English muscle

Origin: , from Old English muscelle

Origin: , from Medieval Latin mūscula

Origin: , from Latin mūsculus, sea mussel; see muscle

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