Clam vs. Cockle: What's the Difference?
Edited by Harlon Moss || By Janet White || Updated on June 12, 2024
A clam is a general term for bivalve mollusks found in freshwater or saltwater, while a cockle is a specific type of saltwater bivalve with a distinct, ribbed shell.
Key Differences
Both clams and cockles are bivalve mollusks, which means they have a two-part hinged shell that houses a soft-bodied creature. Clam is a broad term that covers various bivalves, both from freshwater and saltwater habitats. On the other hand, cockles specifically refer to certain marine bivalves known for their heart-shaped, ribbed shells.
Clams can vary significantly in size, ranging from tiny ones just an inch across to giant clams that can measure over four feet. They often burrow into the sand or mud, leaving just a small part exposed. Cockles are generally smaller, and while they too can burrow, they are often found just beneath the surface of sandy or muddy sea beds.
In culinary contexts, clams have a diverse range of uses, from clam chowder to steamed dishes. They can be tender or chewy, depending on the type and preparation. Cockles, meanwhile, are often enjoyed steamed or boiled and are popular in European dishes. Their meat is sweet and delicate.
Culturally, clams and cockles have found their way into expressions and idioms. For example, the phrase "happy as a clam" alludes to the clam's appearance of smiling when its shell is open. On the other hand, "cockles of one's heart" refers to the deepest part of one's emotions or feelings, likely deriving from the heart-shaped appearance of a cockle.
Comparison Chart
Definition
A bivalve mollusk found in freshwater or saltwater
A specific type of saltwater bivalve with ribbed shell
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Habitat
Both freshwater and saltwater
Primarily saltwater
Shell Appearance
Can vary; not always ribbed
Distinctly ribbed, often heart-shaped
Culinary Use
Used in various dishes like clam chowder
Commonly steamed or boiled
Size
Ranges from small to very large
Generally smaller compared to many clams
Clam and Cockle Definitions
Clam
A marine or freshwater mollusk with a soft body enclosed in a hinged shell.
She collected several clams during low tide.
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Cockle
Something that pleases or warms the heart.
The story warmed the cockles of her heart.
Clam
An error or blunder, especially in music or sports.
He made a clam during his piano recital.
Cockle
A small, fireplace, especially in a corner.
They gathered around the cockle to stay warm.
Clam
A burdensome or troublesome matter.
This situation is a real clam to deal with.
Cockle
Any of various chiefly marine bivalve mollusks of the family Cardiidae, having rounded or heart-shaped shells with radiating ribs.
Clam
Any of various usually burrowing marine and freshwater bivalve mollusks chiefly of the subclass Heterodonta, including members of the families Veneridae and Myidae, many of which are edible.
Cockle
The shell of a cockle.
Clam
The soft edible body of such a mollusk.
Cockle
A wrinkle; a pucker.
Clam
(Informal) A close-mouthed person, especially one who can keep a secret.
Cockle
(Nautical) A cockleshell.
Clam
(Slang) A dollar
Owed them 75 clams.
Cockle
Any of several weedy plants, especially the corn cockle.
Clam
A clamp or vise.
Cockle
To become or cause to become wrinkled or puckered.
Clam
To hunt for clams.
Cockle
Any of various edible European bivalve mollusks, of the family Cardiidae, having heart-shaped shells.
Clam
A bivalve mollusk of many kinds, especially those that are edible; for example pl=s (Mya arenaria), hard clams (Mercenaria mercenaria), sea clams or hen clam (Spisula solidissima), and other species. The name is said to have been given originally to the Tridacna gigas, a huge East Indian bivalve.
Cockle
The shell of such a mollusk.
Clam
Strong pincers or forceps.
Cockle
(in the plural) One’s innermost feelings (only in the expression “the cockles of one’s heart”).
Clam
A kind of vise, usually of wood.
Cockle
(directly from French coquille) A wrinkle, pucker
Clam
A dollar.
Those sneakers cost me fifty clams!
Cockle
(by extension) A defect in sheepskin; firm dark nodules caused by the bites of keds on live sheep
Clam
A Scientologist.
Cockle
The mineral black tourmaline or schorl.
Clam
A vagina.
Cockle
(UK) The fire chamber of a furnace.
Clam
(slang) In musicians' parlance, a wrong or misplaced note.
Cockle
(UK) A kiln for drying hops; an oast.
Clam
(informal) One who clams up; a taciturn person, one who refuses to speak.
Cockle
(UK) The dome of a heating furnace.
Clam
Mouth (Now found mostly in the expression shut one's clam)
Cockle
Any of several field weeds, such as the common corncockle (Agrostemma githago) and darnel ryegrass (Lolium temulentum).
Clam
Clamminess; moisture
Cockle
(Cockney rhyming slang) A £10 note; a tenner.
Clam
To dig for clams.
Cockle
To cause to contract into wrinkles or ridges, as some kinds of cloth after a wetting; to pucker.
Clam
To produce, in bellringing, a clam or clangor; to cause to clang.
Cockle
A bivalve mollusk, with radiating ribs, of the genus Cardium, especially Cardium edule, used in Europe for food; - sometimes applied to similar shells of other genera.
Clam
To be moist or glutinous; to stick; to adhere.
Cockle
A cockleshell.
Clam
To clog, as with glutinous or viscous matter.
Cockle
The mineral black tourmaline or schorl; - so called by the Cornish miners.
Clam
Clammy.
Cockle
The fire chamber of a furnace.
Clam
A bivalve mollusk of many kinds, especially those that are edible; as, the long clam (Mya arenaria), the quahog or round clam (Venus mercenaria), the sea clam or hen clam (Spisula solidissima), and other species of the United States. The name is said to have been given originally to the Tridacna gigas, a huge East Indian bivalve.
You shall scarce find any bay or shallow shore, or cove of sand, where you may not take many clampes, or lobsters, or both, at your pleasure.
Clams, or clamps, is a shellfish not much unlike a cockle; it lieth under the sand.
Cockle
A hop-drying kiln; an oast.
Clam
Strong pinchers or forceps.
Cockle
The dome of a heating furnace.
Clam
A kind of vise, usually of wood.
Cockle
A plant or weed that grows among grain; the corn rose (Luchnis Githage).
Clam
Claminess; moisture.
Cockle
To cause to contract into wrinkles or ridges, as some kinds of cloth after a wetting.
Clam
A crash or clangor made by ringing all the bells of a chime at once.
Cockle
Common edible European bivalve
Clam
To clog, as with glutinous or viscous matter.
A swarm of wasps got into a honey pot, and there they cloyed and clammed Themselves till there was no getting out again.
Cockle
Common edible European bivalve mollusk having a rounded shell with radiating ribs
Clam
To be moist or glutinous; to stick; to adhere.
Cockle
Stir up (water) so as to form ripples
Clam
To produce, in bell ringing, a clam or clangor; to cause to clang.
Cockle
To gather something into small wrinkles or folds;
She puckered her lips
Clam
Burrowing marine mollusk living on sand or mud
Cockle
A small, edible marine bivalve with a rounded shell.
She enjoyed fresh cockles from the market.
Clam
A piece of paper money worth one dollar
Cockle
A wrinkle or pucker, especially in fabric.
There was a cockle in the shirt after washing.
Clam
Flesh of either hard-shell or soft-shell clams
Cockle
The core or innermost part of something.
He was touched in the cockle of his soul.
Clam
Gather clams, by digging in the sand by the ocean
Clam
Informal: a dollar.
That toy cost me ten clams!
Clam
A tight-lipped person.
He's a clam when it comes to his personal life.
FAQs
Are all clams edible?
While many clams are edible, not all are palatable or safe to eat.
Do both clams and cockles burrow?
Yes, both can burrow, but cockles are often just beneath the surface.
Which is bigger, clams or cockles?
Clams can vary in size, and some can be much larger than cockles.
Are cockles a type of clam?
Yes, cockles are a specific type of marine clam.
Are clams and cockles found worldwide?
Both clams and cockles are found in various parts of the world, but their species and types might differ by region.
How are clams typically cooked?
Clams can be steamed, boiled, fried, or used in soups like clam chowder.
Can clams live in freshwater?
Yes, there are freshwater clam species.
What's the significance of "cockles of one's heart"?
It refers to the deep, innermost feelings or emotions of a person.
How can you differentiate a clam from a cockle by appearance?
Cockles often have heart-shaped, distinctly ribbed shells.
Are cockles sweet in taste?
Cockles generally have a sweet and delicate flavor.
About Author
Written by
Janet WhiteJanet White has been an esteemed writer and blogger for Difference Wiki. Holding a Master's degree in Science and Medical Journalism from the prestigious Boston University, she has consistently demonstrated her expertise and passion for her field. When she's not immersed in her work, Janet relishes her time exercising, delving into a good book, and cherishing moments with friends and family.
Edited by
Harlon MossHarlon is a seasoned quality moderator and accomplished content writer for Difference Wiki. An alumnus of the prestigious University of California, he earned his degree in Computer Science. Leveraging his academic background, Harlon brings a meticulous and informed perspective to his work, ensuring content accuracy and excellence.
