1. Having more than two valves or valve-like parts; composed of multiple valves.
Usage: technical; biology

1. A mollusk or other organism having more than two shells or valve-like structures.
Usage: technical; zoology

Examples

• The multivalve shell of the chiton consists of eight overlapping plates.
• Multivalve organisms are less common than bivalves in marine ecosystems.
• The researcher studied the multivalve structure of the ancient fossil.
• Some multivalve mollusks can be found in deep ocean trenches.
• The multivalve design provides flexibility and protection for the creature inside.