hard-shell clam
Definition
- Noun:
- An edible American clam species: A type of clam native to the Atlantic coast of North America, known for its thick, durable shell.
- A marine bivalve mollusk: Specifically refers to the species Mercenaria mercenaria, also commonly known as the quahog, littleneck clam, or cherrystone clam.
Usage Examples
- Noun:
- The chef sourced fresh hard-shell clams for the seafood stew.
- We dug for hard-shell clams in the sandy flats during low tide.
Advanced Usage
- Historical Context: The term can reference the historical use of the clam's shell.
- Wampum, a form of currency for some American Indian tribes, was often made from the purple and white parts of the hard-shell clam.
Variants and Related Words
- Quahog (n): Another common name for the same species of hard-shell clam.
- Littleneck clam (n): A smaller, younger hard-shell clam, typically eaten raw or steamed.
- Cherrystone clam (n): A medium-sized hard-shell clam, often used for clams on the half shell.
- Chowder clam (n): A larger, older hard-shell clam, typically used in cooked dishes like chowders.
Synonyms
- Mercenaria mercenaria: The scientific (Latin) name for the species.
- Round clam: A descriptive synonym referencing its shape.
Related Phrases
- Hard-shell clam digging: The activity of harvesting these clams from tidal areas.
- Hard-shell clam bake: A social gathering or method of cooking where clams are steamed, often with other seafood.
Noun
-
an edible American clam; the heavy shells were used as money by some American Indians
-
Atlantic coast round clams with hard shells; large clams usually used for chowders or other clam dishes
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