Definition

Noun 1. A large edible marine bivalve mollusk: A species of scallop (Placopecten magellanicus) native to the deep, cold waters of the northwestern Atlantic Ocean. It is characterized by its large, fan-shaped shell. 2. The adductor muscle of this mollusk, used as food: The thick, round, white muscle that is harvested, cooked, and eaten. This is the part commonly sold as "scallops" in markets and restaurants.

Examples of Usage

• As the mollusk:
  • Divers observed a sea scallop on the ocean floor.
  • The fishery is regulated to ensure a sustainable population of sea scallops.
• As the edible muscle:
  • For dinner, we sautéed sea scallops in garlic and butter.
  • The recipe calls for one pound of fresh sea scallop meat.

Advanced Usage

• The term "sea scallop" is often used to distinguish this larger, deep-water species from the smaller "bay scallop" (), which inhabits shallower, warmer estuaries and bays.

Variants and Related Words

• Scallop (noun): The general term for bivalve mollusks of the family Pectinidae. "Sea scallop" is a specific type of scallop.
• Escallop (noun): A less common variant spelling of "scallop."

Synonyms

• Giant scallop (noun): Another common name for the same species, .
• Deep-sea scallop (noun): A descriptive synonym emphasizing its habitat.

Related Phrases

• Scallop fishery (noun phrase): The industry and practice of harvesting scallops.
  • The scallop fishery is a major economic activity in the region.

Noun

1. a large scallop inhabiting deep waters of the Atlantic coast of North America
2. muscle of large deep-water scallops