cherrystone
Definition
Noun: 1. A type of hard-shell clam: Specifically, a "cherrystone" is a size classification for the quahog clam (Mercenaria mercenaria). It is larger than a littleneck clam but smaller than a full-grown chowder clam. 2. The shell of this clam: The term can also refer to the hard, rounded shell of the clam itself.
Usage and Examples
- As a food item:
- The recipe calls for twelve cherrystones to be used on the half shell.
- He prefers cherrystone clams for his pasta because they are tender and not too large.
- Referring to the shell or the animal:
- We collected several beautiful cherrystones on the beach.
- The cherrystone is a common bivalve in these coastal waters.
Advanced Usage
- In culinary contexts: The name "cherrystone" is primarily used in commerce and cooking to indicate a specific market size for hard clams. They are often served raw on the half-shell, baked, or used in cooked dishes where a tender, medium-sized clam is desired.
Variants and Related Words
- Quahog (noun): The general species name for the hard-shell clam. "Cherrystone" is a size category within quahogs.
- Littleneck (noun): A smaller size classification of the same quahog clam.
- Chowder clam (noun): A larger, older quahog, typically used chopped in chowders or soups because it is tougher.
Synonyms
- Hard-shell clam
- Quahog (when referring to the species or general type)
Notes on Meaning
The word "cherrystone" almost exclusively refers to the clam and its shell. It is not typically used as a compound word. It should not be confused with the pit (stone) of a cherry fruit, which is a separate concept.
Noun
-
a half-grown quahog
-
small quahog larger than a littleneck; eaten raw or cooked as in e.g. clams casino
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