Definition

1. Noun:
   • A taxonomic genus of marine bivalve mollusks: "genus Crassostrea" is the scientific name for a genus of true oysters, commonly known as Virginia oysters or cupped oysters. These are saltwater oysters characterized by their rough, irregular shells and significant commercial value.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • The biologist studied the population dynamics within the genus Crassostrea.
  • Crassostrea virginica, a species within the genus Crassostrea, is native to the Atlantic coast of North America.

Advanced Usage

• In scientific literature: The term is used in taxonomic, ecological, and aquacultural contexts to specify this particular group of oysters, distinguishing them from other genera like .
  • The study compared the growth rates of two species from the genus Crassostrea.

Variants and Related Words

• Crassostrea (n): The abbreviated form of the genus name, commonly used in scientific discourse.
  • Crassostrea gigas, the Pacific oyster, is widely cultivated.

Synonyms

• Virginia oysters (n): A common name for oysters of this genus, specifically .
• Cupped oysters (n): A descriptive common name referring to the deep, cupped shape of the lower shell valve.

Related Terms (Not Phrasal Verbs or Idioms)

• Ostreidae (n): The family to which the genus belongs.
• Bivalve (n): The larger class of mollusks that includes all oysters.

Noun

1. Virginia oysters