Any of several mussels of the family Mytilidae characterized by ribbed shells; specificallyGeukensia demissa (formerly Modiolus demissus), found in salt marshes of eastern North America.
Origin
Mid 19th century.
Definition of ribbed mussel in US English:
ribbed mussel
noun
Any of several mussels of the family Mytilidae characterized by ribbed shells; specificallyGeukensia demissa (formerly Modiolus demissus), found in salt marshes of eastern North America.