Anisomyarian

/ˌænɪsoʊmaɪˈɛːriən/ adjective

Definition

Describing mollusks (like certain clams) that have two unequal adductor muscles—the muscles that close their shells.

Etymology

From Greek 'anisos' (unequal) + 'mys' (muscle) + '-arian' (suffix for 'relating to'). Marine biologists coined this in the 1800s to classify bivalve mollusks.

Kelly Says

Most clams have two muscles of equal size to close their shells, but anisomyarian clams have one big muscle and one tiny one—it's like having a professional weight lifter and a toddler working together!

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