geoduck

ˈɡuː.iˌdʌk

2 definitions

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#1·4h ago

The species of large saltwater clam , native to the northeast Pacific coasts from Alaska to Washington State, distinguished by its deep burrowing and long unprotected siphon.

1881, H. Hemphill, letter in the Bulletin of the US Fishing Commission, No. 1, p. 21:

Origin: From , variously understood as reference to its deep digging or resemblance to male genitalia. The unusual spelling of the first syllable is thought to represent editorial hypercorrection of forms with goe- &c. (probably under influence from the common prefix geo-), despite the earlier attestation of forms with geo-. The spelling pronunciation once listed in dictionaries is now considered nonstandard. The common spelling of the second syllable is under influence from duck, originally with reference to the mollusc's resemblance to the body and neck of a dead duck. Origin information sourced from Wiktionary contributors (CC BY-SA 4.0).

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#2·4h ago

(NZ) Other species of Panopea, especially , native to the coasts of New Zealand.

: Glycimeris generosa. Olympia, Washington Territory... The boys at Olympia call them ‘Geoducks’; they dig them on a certain sand bar at extreme low tide, and sell them to a merchant who ships them to Portland, Oreg... The boys inform me…

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