cherrystone clam

Thân thiện

A chef places a fresh cherrystone clam on a bed of ice.

Definition

Noun: 1. A type of hard-shell clam: A "cherrystone clam" is a specific size class of the hard-shell clam species Mercenaria mercenaria, also known as a quahog. It is larger than a littleneck clam but smaller than a full-sized chowder clam. 2. A size category for clams: The term specifically refers to the clam's size, typically those with a shell about 2.5 to 3 inches (6 to 7.5 cm) in width. Clams of this size are often preferred for eating raw on the half-shell or for cooked dishes.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • The seafood platter included fresh cherrystone clams on ice.
  • For the pasta recipe, you can use cherrystone clams instead of littlenecks.
  • He pried open the cherrystone clam with a shucking knife.

Advanced Usage

• As a modifier: The term is often used attributively to describe dishes or preparations.
  • She ordered the cherrystone clam cocktail.
  • The menu featured cherrystone clam chowder.

Variants and Related Words

• Quahog (noun): The general name for the species of hard-shell clam () to which the cherrystone belongs. "Cherrystone" is a size designation within this species.
• Littleneck clam (noun): A smaller size class of the same quahog species, typically under 2.5 inches wide.
• Chowder clam (noun): A larger, older quahog, often tougher and used primarily for chopped dishes like chowder.

Synonyms

• Cherrystone (noun): A common shortened form.
• Medium hard-shell clam (noun): A descriptive synonym emphasizing size.

Related Phrases

• Clams on the half-shell: A common way to serve raw cherrystones and littlenecks.
• Clams casino: A classic baked clam dish for which cherrystone clams are a standard ingredient.

Học thuật

Noun

1. a half-grown quahog
2. small quahog larger than a littleneck; eaten raw or cooked as in e.g. clams casino

Từ đồng nghĩa

• cherrystone