'Muscle' is the body tissue that contracts to produce movement; 'mussel' is the dark-shelled edible shellfish.
Noun. Body tissue composed of fibres that contract to produce movement.
He strained a muscle in his back while lifting the equipment.
Regular exercise builds muscle and improves metabolism.
The company used its financial muscle to win the contract.
Noun. An edible bivalve shellfish with a dark elongated shell, often cooked in wine or cream sauce.
She ordered a bowl of steamed mussels with garlic and white wine.
Mussels are a sustainable and nutritious source of protein.
Fresh mussels should close when tapped — discard any that stay open.
Common mistake
The error most often appears in food writing: "I'll have the steamed muscles" (correct: mussels). Or in fitness contexts: "He eats mussels every day" when meaning the muscles he is building.
Trick to remember it
'Muscle' has a C for 'contract' — muscles contract to move. 'Mussel' has SS like 'sea shell' — the shellfish has two shells.
Quick rule
Is it the body tissue that contracts? 'Muscle'. Is it the dark-shelled shellfish you eat? 'Mussel'.
Did you know?
Both 'muscle' and 'mussel' come from the Latin 'musculus', meaning 'little mouse'. Romans noticed that arm muscles moving under the skin looked like a mouse scurrying beneath fabric. They also named the elongated shellfish 'musculus' for its similar mouse-like shape. The two words are etymological twins.
Exercise 1 · Pick the right one
He pulled a _____ during the warm-up and could not finish the race.
Exercise 2 · Pick the right one
The chef prepared the _____ in a broth of white wine, garlic and parsley.
Exercise 3 · Form the word
Is it the body tissue that contracts? 'Muscle'. Is it the dark-shelled shellfish you eat? 'Mussel'.
The error most often appears in food writing: "I'll have the steamed muscles" (correct: mussels). Or in fitness contexts: "He eats mussels every day" when meaning the muscles he is building.
'Muscle' has a C for 'contract' — muscles contract to move. 'Mussel' has SS like 'sea shell' — the shellfish has two shells.
Bryan López
Founder of SpeakUP Academy