2 entries under this word

Bivalve

Bī'vălve, n.

noun

[Fr. bivalve, from Lat. bis, twice, and valva, valve.]

(Zoöl.) A molluscous animal, having a shell consisting of two parts or valves, joined together by an elastic ligament at the cardo, or hinge; or a shell consisting of two parts, which open and shut. Dana.
(Bot.) A pericarp in which the seed-case opens or splits into two parts or valves. Dana.

An open bivalve shell is shown with its ridged upper valve and lower valve. — Bivalve.

Bī'vălve or Bī'vălved or Bī-vălv'oŭs or Bī-vălv'ū-lar, a.

adjective

a. [Lat. bis, twice, and Eng. valvular, q. v. See supra.] Having two shells or valves which open and shut, as the oyster, or two parts or valves which open at maturity, as the seed-vessels of certain plants. “A bivalved mollusk.” Dana. “A bivalvular or bivalve husk.” Loudon.