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What is "river mussel"

The Collaborative International Dictionary
river mussel

Mussel \Mus"sel\, n. [See Muscle, 3.]

  1. (Zo["o]l.) Any one of many species of marine bivalve shells of the genus Mytilus, and related genera, of the family Mytid[ae]. The common mussel ( Mytilus edulis; see Illust. under Byssus), and the larger, or horse, mussel ( Modiola modiolus), inhabiting the shores both of Europe and America, are edible. The former is extensively used as food in Europe.

  2. (Zo["o]l.) Any one of numerous species of Unio, and related fresh-water genera; -- called also river mussel. See Naiad, and Unio.

    Mussel digger (Zo["o]l.), the grayback whale. See Gray whale, under Gray.