lamellibranch

noun

la·​mel·​li·​branch lə-ˈme-lə-ˌbraŋk 

plural lamellibranchs

: any of a class (Lamellibranchia) of bivalve mollusks (such as clams, oysters, and mussels) that have the body bilaterally symmetrical, compressed, and enclosed within the mantle and that build up a shell whose right and left parts are connected by a hinge over the animal's back

lamellibranch adjective

Word History

Etymology

New Latin Lamellibranchia, from lamella + Latin branchia gill

First Known Use

1855, in the meaning defined above