First Known Use: before 12th century
Dictionary
mussel
noun mus·sel \ˈmə-səl\
: a type of shellfish that has a long dark shell
Full Definition of MUSSEL
1
: a marine bivalve mollusk (especially genus Mytilus) usually having a dark elongated shell
2
: a freshwater bivalve mollusk (as of Unio, Anodonta, or related genera) that is especially abundant in rivers of the central United States and has a shell with a lustrous nacreous lining
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Origin of MUSSEL
Middle English muscle, from Old English muscelle, from Vulgar Latin *muscula, from Latin musculus muscle, mussel
MUSSEL Defined for Kids
mussel
noun mus·sel \ˈmə-səl\
Definition of MUSSEL for Kids
1
: a saltwater shellfish that has a long dark shell in two parts and is sometimes used as food
2
: a freshwater clam of the United States with shells from which mother-of-pearl is obtained
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