Source : Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)
Lamellibranchia \La*mel`li*bran"chi*a\, Lamellibranchiata
\La*mel`li*bran`chi*a"ta\, n. pl. [NL. See {lamella}, and
{Branchia}, {Branchiate}.] (Zo["o]l.)
A class of Mollusca including all those that have bivalve
shells, as the clams, oysters, mussels, etc.
Note: They usually have two (rarely but one) flat,
lamelliform gills on each side of the body. They have
an imperfectly developed head, concealed within the
shell, whence they are called {{Acephala}}. Called also
{Conchifera}, and {Pelecypoda}. See {Bivalve}.