/keuh peez", ka-/ , n.
1. a small marine bivalve of the genus Placuna, esp. P. placenta, common in Philippine coastal waters and some other parts of the Pacific Ocean.
2. Also called windowpane shell, windowglass shell . the squarish, translucent inner shell of Placuna used in making lamps, windowpane, and decorative objects.
[ of unexplained orig. ]