'bivalve' originates from Latin, specifically the word 'bivalvis,' where 'bi-' meant 'two' and 'valva' meant 'leaf of a door.'

'bivalvis' transformed into the French word 'bivalve,' and eventually became the modern English word 'bivalve' through Middle English.

Initially, it meant 'having two leaves or parts,' but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'a mollusk with a two-part shell.'