Defn: Any one of many species of marine bivalve shells of the genus
Mytilus, and related genera, of the family Mytidæ. 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.
2. (Zoöl.)
Defn: Any one of numerous species of Unio, and related fresh-water genera; — called also river mussel. See Naiad, and Unio. Mussel digger (Zoöl.), the grayback whale. See Gray whale, under Gray.
MUSSITATION Mus`si*ta"tion, n. Etym: [L. mussitatio suppression of the voice, fr. mussitare to be silent, to murmur.]
Defn: A speaking in a low tone; mumbling. [Obs.]
MUSSITE
Mus"site, n. (Min.)
Defn: A variety of pyroxene, from the Mussa Alp in Piedmont; diopside.
MUSSULMAN Mus"sul*man, n.; pl. Mussulmans. Etym: [Ar. muslimin, pl. of muslim: cf. F. & Sp. musulman. See Moslem.]
Defn: A Mohammedan; a Moslem.
MUSSULMANIC
Mus`sul*man"ic, a.