Definition

Noun: 1. An edible clam with a thin, oval-shaped shell, found in coastal regions of the United States and Europe. This term refers specifically to a type of soft-shell clam, often of the species Mya arenaria, which is commonly harvested for food. 2. A clam that is usually steamed in the shell. This definition highlights the most common cooking method associated with this type of clam, which is how it gets its name.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • We dug for steamer clams at low tide along the New England coast.
  • The classic way to prepare steamer clams is with butter and broth.
  • For dinner, we had a bucket of fresh steamer clams.

Advanced Usage

• The term "steamer" is often used alone as a shortened, informal form of "steamer clam."
  • Let's order a dozen steamers as an appetizer.

Variants and Related Words

• Soft-shell clam: This is a common synonym and alternative name for the steamer clam, referring to its fragile shell compared to hard-shell clams like quahogs.
• Longneck clam: Another regional name for the steamer clam, describing its characteristic long, protruding siphon or "neck."
• Mya arenaria: The scientific (Latin) name for the most common species of steamer clam.

Synonyms

• Soft-shell clam
• Longneck clam
• Ipswich clam (a specific regional variety)

Related Phrases

• Steamed clams: This phrase describes the cooked dish made from steamer clams.
  • The restaurant is famous for its steamed clams in white wine sauce.

Noun

1. an edible clam with thin oval-shaped shell found in coastal regions of the United States and Europe
2. a clam that is usually steamed in the shell