ostracean
/ɒˈstreɪʃn/Zoology. Now rare
adjective
Of or designating the former family Ostracea (now called Ostreidae) of bivalve molluscs, containing the oysters; relating to oysters.
noun
A mollusc of the former family Ostracea; an oyster.
Origin
Mid 19th century; earliest use found in Todd's Cyclopaedia of Anatomy and Physiology. From scientific Latin Ostracea, former family name (E. A. Crouch Introd. Lamarck's Conchol. 20; from French ostracé from ancient Greek ὄστρακον shell of a mussel, oyster, etc.: see ostracon; compare -acea) + -an.