byssate Applied to the condition found in certain Bivalvia of having strands of byssus (strong, horny threads) by which the animals are often attached to the substrate or to objects. A byssal gland located in the foot secretes a fluid protein which passes down a groove along the under-side of the foot; the secretion hardens on exposure to sea water.

byssate Applied to the condition found in some bivalves of being attached to the substrate or to objects by strands of byssus (usually tough, horny threads).