noun
hard clam; quahog
Refers to the hard clam (Mercenaria mercenaria), known by various size-based names in English (littleneck, cherrystone, etc.). In Japanese, it is often used in dishes like clam chowder or steamed clams.
ホンビノス貝はクラムチャウダーによく使われる。
Hard clams are often used in clam chowder.
市場で新鮮なホンビノス貝を買った。
I bought fresh hard clams at the market.
The name ホンビノス is likely derived from the Narragansett word 'poquauhock' or similar Algonquian term for the hard clam, adapted into Japanese via English 'quahog'. The kanji 本美之主貝 is ateji.