from
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48
Mussel \Mus"sel\, n. [See {Muscle}, 3.]
1. (Zool.) Any one of many species of marine bivalve shells
of the genus {Mytilus}, and related genera, of the family
{Mytidae}. The common mussel ({Mytilus edulis}; see
Illust. under {Byssus}), and the larger, or horse, mussel
({Modiola modiolus}), inhabiting the shores both of Europe
and America, are edible. The former is extensively used as
food in Europe.
[1913 Webster]
2. (Zool.) Any one of numerous species of {Unio}, and related
fresh-water genera; -- called also {river mussel}. See
{Naiad}, and {Unio}.
[1913 Webster]
{Mussel digger} (Zool.), the grayback whale. See {Gray
whale}, under {Gray}.
[1913 Webster]