Avicula

Definitions

  • Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary
    • n Avicula (Zoöl) A genus of marine bivalves, having a pearly interior, allied to the pearl oyster; -- so called from a supposed resemblance of the typical species to a bird.
    • ***
Century Dictionary and Cyclopedia
    • n avicula A little bird; hence, any ungrown bird; a nestling, fledgling, or chick.
    • n avicula [capitalized] [NL.: in allusion to the wing-like expansion of the hinge.] In conchology, a genus of bivalve mollusks, typical of the family Aviculidœ; the wing-shells. A. hirundo is the type.
    • ***

Etymology

Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary
L., small bird

Usage

In literature:

Lamarck separated the mother-of-pearls shell (MARGARITA) from the swallow-tail muscles (AVICULA) on account of its more orbicular shape.
"Journals Of Expeditions Of Discovery Into Central Australia And Overland" by Edward John Eyre
The Obydos shells are not marine, but are fresh-water Unios, greatly resembling Aviculas, Solens, and Arcas.
"The Atlantic Monthly, Volume 18, No. 106, August, 1866" by Various
***

Related words