lamellibranchiate, a. (n.) Zool.
(ləmɛlɪˈbræŋkɪət)
[ad. mod.L. lāmellibranchiātus (implied in -āta n. pl.): see prec. + -ate3.]
Belonging to the group Lamellibranchiata of molluscs (so called as having lamellate gills) of which the ordinary bivalves (oysters, mussels, etc.) are typical.
| 1855 Ogilvie, Suppl., Lamellibranchiate, relating to the lamellibranchiata. 1863 Lyell Antiq. Man xx. 404 The existing lamellibranchiate bivalves. 1880 Huxley Crayfish 356 The little lamellibranchiate mollusk, Cyclas fontinalis. |
b. n. A lamellibranch; a bivalve mollusc.
| 1842 Brande Dict. Sci. etc., Lamellibranchiates, Lamellibranchiata, an order of Acephalous Mollusks. |