noun
Korean mussel; Mytilus coruscus
A species of mussel found in East Asian waters, often used in Japanese cuisine.
イガイは韓国料理によく使われる貝です。
The Korean mussel is a shellfish often used in Korean cuisine.
市場で新鮮なイガイを買った。
I bought fresh Korean mussels at the market.
ムール貝 is the common term for the Mediterranean mussel (Mytilus galloprovincialis), while イガイ refers specifically to the Korean mussel (Mytilus coruscus).
The reading いがい is the native Japanese name for this mussel. The kanji 貽 is rare and used here for its meaning 'mussel'; the exact derivation is uncertain.