quahog Meaning, Definition & Usage

  1. noun Atlantic coast round clams with hard shells; large clams usually used for chowders or other clam dishes
    quahaug; round clam; hard-shell clam.
  2. noun an edible American clam; the heavy shells were used as money by some American Indians
    hard-shell clam; Mercenaria mercenaria; quahaug; hard clam; Venus mercenaria; round clam.

WordNet

Qua"hog, Qua"haug noun (Also<
  • Quahog
  • Quahaug
)
Etymology
Abbrev. fr. Narragansett Indian poquaûhock.
Definitions
  1. (Zoöl.) An American market clam (Venus mercenaria). It is sold in large quantities, and is highly valued as food. Called also round clam, and hard clam. ✍ The name is also applied to other allied species, as Venus Mortoni of the Gulf of Mexico.

Webster 1913