Lithophagus

1 definition found

From The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48 [gcide]:

  Lithodomus \Li*thod"o*mus\, n. [NL. See {Lithodome}.] (Zool.)
     A genus of elongated bivalve shells, allied to the mussels,
     and remarkable for their ability to bore holes for shelter,
     in solid limestone, shells, etc. Called also {Lithophagus}.
     [1913 Webster]
  


     Note: These holes are at first very small and shallow, but
           are enlarged with the growth of the shell, sometimes
           becoming two or three inches deep and nearly an inch
           diameter.
           [1913 Webster]