Lampsilis

noun

Lamp·​si·​lis

ˈlampsələ̇s

: a genus of North American freshwater mussels including the yellowback and the pocketbook

Word History

Etymology

New Latin, alteration of Lasmacampsilis, probably from lasma- (intended as latinization of French lame lamina) + Greek kampsis action of bending (from kamptein to bend, from kampē bend, turning) + Latin -ilis (adjective ending)

Love words?

You must — there are over 200,000 words in our free online dictionary, but you are looking for one that’s only in the Merriam-Webster Unabridged Dictionary.

Start your free trial today and get unlimited access to America's largest dictionary, with:

• More than 250,000 words that aren't in our free dictionary
• Expanded definitions, etymologies, and usage notes
• Advanced search features
• Ad free!