mussel

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mussel Any of several species of bivalve molluscs with thin, oval shells. Marine species of the family Mytilidae are found throughout the world in colonies on sea walls and rocky shores, where they attach themselves by means of strands called byssus threads. The edible mussel, Mytilus edulis, is sometimes cultivated on ropes hanging from rafts. Freshwater mussels of the family Unionidae, found in n continents only, produce pearls.

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