I. adjective
also bi·valved (ˈ)bī+
Etymology: bi- (I) + valve or valved
1. : having a shell composed of two usually movable valves that open and shut
bivalve oysters
bivalve clams
2. of a shell or capsule : having two valves
the bivalve wall of a diatom
3. : consisting of two corresponding movable pieces suggesting the shells of mollusks
a bivalve speculum
II. noun
( -s )
: an animal with a 2-valved shell ; especially : a mollusk of the class Lamellibranchia (as a clam, mussel, or oyster) — compare univalve
III. transitive verb
Etymology: bi- (I) + valve
: to split (a cast) along one or two sides (as to renew surgical dressings or to restore circulation)