trough shell adductor muscle; columella
In food contexts, refers to the edible adductor muscle of the trough shell (Mactra chinensis), often called 'columella' in culinary English. The term is also used in biology for the central column of a gastropod shell.
See also: バカガイ
The adductor muscle of the trough shell is delicious as sashimi or sushi topping.
I removed the adductor muscle of this shellfish and sautéed it in butter.
Compound of 小 (small) and 柱 (pillar), referring to the small pillar-like shape of the adductor muscle or the columella of a shell.