Venus Mercenaria (Noun)
Meaning
An edible American clam; the heavy shells were used as money by some American Indians.
Classification
Nouns denoting animals.
Examples
- The Native Americans utilized the shells of the Venus mercenaria as a form of currency in early trade.
- These heavy, sturdy shells of the Venus mercenaria were also used as jewelry and decorative items.
- Venus mercenaria, also known as the cherrystone or hard clam, was an essential food source in many Native American communities.
- Their reliance on Venus mercenaria and its shells played a significant role in the economy of the Native American tribes.
- The sturdy, durable Venus mercenaria shells also made them suitable for various practical applications, including scraping and digging.